Cerberus

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".

Cerberus was a three-headed dog, also known as the hound of Hades, that served as the guardian of the gates of the underworld. Cerberus allowed entrance to all but prevented the dead from leaving, making sure that all who entered never left. He was a fearsome monster but not invincible as Heracles, Orpheus, and the Sybil of Cumae all tricked him and were able to escape.