Vasari is interesting on this work.

He draws attention to it as illustrating "Joseph's great faith in taking her, his face expressing as much fear as joy".

He also says that the blow which the man is giving Joseph was part of the marriage ceremony at that time in Florence.
Franciabigio, in spite of his action in the matter of this fresco, seems to have been a very sweet-natured man, who painted rather to be able to provide for his poor relations than from any stronger inner impulse, and when he saw some works by Raphael gave up altogether, as Verrocchio gave up after Leonardo matured.

Franciabigio was a few years older than Andrea, but died at the same age.

Possibly it was through watching his friend's domestic troubles that he remained single, remarking that he who takes a wife endures strife.