The Depictions of Humans, etc.

It is noted that many, in this case, turn their faces downward with lowered eyes due to the blood that causes them to feel shame, causing people to avert their gaze. However, when the first surge of blood, upon closer understanding of the matter, gradually cools, it leads to paleness and shivering, especially if the comprehension is in a negative light. A Modest, Honorable, and Benevolent Shame is most often shown through a flood of virtuous blood, but the fear opposed to it results in a decline. Consequently, a still and calm mind typically rests under a living and well-tempered disposition.

Those who wish to make a keen distinction can discern Shame that is unbefitting from modesty; the former usually occurs after an action, while the latter occurs before the undertaking of an action. Shame then is truly a sorrowfulness from the mental images of some of our actions, which we imagine are ridiculed by others and possibly run counter to our teaching and moral law. However, modesty is merely a fear or timidity from shame, preventing a person from doing something disgraceful. In this sense, it can be understood as Syrach says: There is a shame that brings sin, and there is a modesty that delivers honor and favor. To place the hand on the head or overshadow the face was an external sign of mourning and shame among the Jews, see Jeremiah 2:37. Here is then also a wise distinction to be taken into consideration about the Art of Painting, although it is not complete.

Translation Notes:
The text distinguishes between 'shame' as an emotional reaction understandable to everyone and 'modesty' as a preventative caution.