Osiris

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".

Osiris, a primeval king of Egypt, was murdered by his brother Set who then usurped his throne. Isis, the wife of Osiris, restored his body and he posthumously conceived their son, Horus. Upon manhood, Horus became the rival to Set's throne and their violent conflict resulted in the triumph of Horus who restored social order to Egypt and set in motion the resurrection of Osiris. In this lithograph, Osiris is shown in death in his casket deep in the underworld before his resurrection.