Oedipus

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".

Oedipus was the king of Thebes who unwittingly killed his father and married his mother. When the Oracle foretold that Oedipus would kill his father, Laius, King of Thebes, and marry his mother, Queen Jocasta, Laius orders his newly born son to be trussed and abandoned on a mountainside. A shepherd discovers the baby and Oedipus is raised by king of Corinth. Upon reaching manhood, Oedipus sets out upon a journey and encounters an old man attended by servants. An argument ensues and Oedipus kills his father, Laius. Oedipus then wanders to Thebes whose gates are guarded by a man-eating Sphinx who challenges him with a riddle. He answers correctly and the Sphinx kills herself causing the Thebans to celebrate. Oedipus is offered the hand of their Queen in marriage and he accepts not realizing that Queen Jocasta is his mother. When the truth unfolds as to the identity of the murderer of Laius, Jocasta kills herself and Oedipus blinds himself.