Chiron

Joseph Anthony Mugnaini

A lithograph done by Joseph Mugnaini in 1953, working with the California Master Printer, lithographer Lynton Kistler. From a series of mythological themes done in editions of 20. This impression is accompanied by an 'authentication' from Kistler and signed by Mugnaini.

Mugnaini began his long-time collaboration with author Ray Bradbury in 1952, during which time he interpreted and illustrated many of Bradbury's books, including "Fahrenheit 451" through the "Martian Chronicles".

In Greek mythology, Chiron was held to be the superlative centaur amongst his brethren. A centaur was a creature with the upper torso of a human and the lower body and legs of a horse whose nature was often as wild as an untamed horse. Chiron, however, was taught by his foster father Apollo in the art of medicine, herbs, music, archery, hunting, gymnastics and pharmacy.