The Sorrowful Mother: the Virgin Mary represented grieving over Christ's Passion, sometimes alone and sometimes with the symbolic swords of her sorrows.
Mater Dolorosa is the Virgin Mary represented in grief, especially in relation to Christ’s Passion. She may appear alone, with clasped hands or tears, or with one or more swords piercing or surrounding the heart to signify her sorrows.
Etymology
Latin Mater Dolorosa, “Sorrowful Mother.”
Sculptor Notes
The sculptural challenge is grief without caricature. A lowered head, tension around the mouth and eyes, compressed hands, and the enclosing action of veil and mantle can convey sorrow more powerfully than extreme facial distortion.
References
https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/the-cult-of-the-virgin-mary-in-the-middle-ages; https://www.nga.gov/artworks/41592-pieta