At matins, in the Annunciation, the Virgin Mary is met by the angel Gabriel, who tells her that she is with child and that she will be the mother of Christ. Frequently, Mary is shown seated, reading the Bible (Isaiah (8:14): “Ecce virgo concipiet, et pariet filium . . . [Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son . . . ]). Eastern Byzantine and Russian icons usually have Gabriel on the right, whereas Western paintings have the opposite. Often, the presence of God is represented by a small figure or just a hand (the hand of God), with rays of light emanating and touching the head of Mary. After 1300, the beam, which could contain a dove (symbolic of the Holy Spirit), may instead have a tiny figure of a child carrying a cross. Other symbols include a potted lily (purity) which may or may not be carried by Gabriel, a ray of light shining through a glass window or a flask of pure water, symbolizing the intact virginity of Mary.

The Visitation signals the beginning of lauds. In the image, after being told that she is pregnant, Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth (pregnant with St. John the Baptist). Elizabeth may be depicted touching Mary's stomach, feeling the unborn Christ's movement in her womb.

Prime is initiated with the Nativity. This image depicts Joseph, Mary and the Christ Child, within a stable that may be in ruins. In this stable, we will see the ox and ass. Joseph sometimes holds a candle or lantern, which may be outshone by the brilliance emanating from the Christ Child.

The Annunciation to the Shepherds announces the beginning of terce. An angel announces the birth of Christ to a number of shepherds (usually three as balance to the Magi), who are commonly depicted as being terrified by the encounter. In other works, the shepherds may dance and play music, seemingly ignoring the angel's tidings.

Sext comes next with the Adoration of the Magi. Three wise men come to pay homage to Christ. By the ninth century, the wise men came to represent the three races and three ages: Melchior, middle-aged with a black beard, was an African and black; Balthasar, old and with a white beard, was Asian, and Gaspar, young and beardless, was European. After the tenth century, the Magi became elevated from mere sages (wise men) to being shown as kings.

The next hour is none, illustrated with the Presentation in the Temple. Mary and Christ are seen outside on the steps visiting a temple. According to the Law of Moses, a first-born son must be circumcised when he is eight days old, and then presented in the Temple to be dedicated to God. The ceremony cost 5 shekels and it is common to see Joseph reaching for his purse in this image. This law also mandates that the mother must be presented for purification forty days after the birth. These scenes are sometimes merged. A sacrifice, usually a lamb, is necessary for the purification. If the supplicant were not wealthy enough, then two turtledoves would be offered, as did Joseph.

Vespers follows with the Flight into Egypt. Herod wants to kill Christ, so Joseph and Mary take the Child and flee Israel, to Egypt. Usually this image is depicted as Joseph leading an ass, on which Mary is seated side saddle, holding Christ in her arms. Other icons may be incorporated into the scene, such as the palm-tree bowing down to offer its fruits to Mary, a spring suddenly appearing, or a wheat field sprouting to confuse their pursuers, all at Christ’s command.

Finally, the Life of the Virgin cycle is completed at compline, illustrated with the Coronation of the Virgin. In this scene, Mary is crowned in Heaven. The usual arrangement is Christ and Mary seated by each other, or with Mary kneeling as Christ holds the crown over her head. Numerous variations include the coronation being performed by God the Father, with or without Christ being present, or where both God and Christ hold the crown for Mary.
 
 

The Annunciation	The Visitation	The Nativity
Annunciation to the Shepherds	Adoration of the Magi	Presentation in the Temple
Flight into Egypt	Coronation of the Virgin