In Byzantine iconography, Joseph - designated as the betrothed of the Virgin Mary - appears in an off-center or even marginal position, whatever the subject of the scene in which he appears as a motif. This choice reflects Joseph's special position in relation to the Theotokos and Christ. The apocryphal gospels (the Gospel of James and theGospel of Pseudo-Matthew) report that Mary was entrusted by the priests to Joseph to protect her virginity. Such a mission explains the rare but theologically rich scenes of Joseph's Reproaches to Mary and the Trial by Bitter Waters.
Joseph was also Christ's guardian. He did his fatherly duty by having him circumcised and presented to the Temple, by protecting him when Herod threatened his life, and by caring for him as a teenager during the Passover in Jerusalem.
Byzantine iconography, reflecting the theological tradition, was careful to translate the Christian doctrinal message visually. In the scene of Christ's Nativity, Joseph is depicted at an angle, often pensive, to demonstrate that he had no part in the conception of God's Word, while at the same time fully assuming his exceptional role as husband and father. During Christ's presentation in the Temple, the Flight into Egypt, the return from Egypt and the Easter trip to Jerusalem, Joseph is usually placed a few steps behind the Virgin and Christ.
A man of dreams, which show him the divine path to follow, silent according to the canonical Gospels, which do not record a single word of his, Joseph manifested his paternity throughout the hidden life: celebrated in the liturgy as the greatest saint in heaven, after the Mother of God, he shone in Byzantine iconography through his role, which was only secondary in appearance.
