Prometheus

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".

Prometheus, in Greek mythology, was one of the Titans and a god of fire. However, he sided with Zeus, one of the Olympians, in the Titan War. After helping Zeus attain victory, Prometheus began to battle with him over his treatment of humanity. He then stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. In retaliation, Zeus chained Prometheus and sent an eagle to prey upon his liver. Heracles, son of Zeus, shot the eagle and freed Prometheus. In this image, Prometheus is flying from the heavens toward earth with torches of fire to gift to humanity.