LYNTON R. KISTLER 1897 – 1993
JOSEPH A. MUGNAINI 1912-1992
Ten Views of the Moon (1981): The history of twentieth‑century American art is often told through the lens of painters, whose works described the visual culture of their time. However, behind many of these achievements stood master printers whose technical expertise enabled artists to translate their visions into reproducible form. Among the most distinguished of these was Lynton R. Kistler (1897–1993), a Los Angeles‑based lithographer whose workshop became a nexus for artistic collaboration. Alongside him, Joseph Mugnaini (1912–1992), developed a surrealist vocabulary that bridged fine art and literature. Their partnership produced portfolios that remain landmarks of collaborative art practice, most notably in Ten Views of the Moon (1981), a combination with writer Ray Bradbury. Ray Bradbury’s role in the Ten Views of the Moon portfolio was central — he provided the texts that accompanied Joseph Mugnaini’s lithographs, while Lynton R. Kistler printed them. Bradbury and Mugnaini had a decades‑long creative partnership. Lynton R. Kistler: The Master of Lithography Kistler was active from the 1930s through the 1960s, attracted more than 350 artists, including Jean Charlot, Millard Sheets, Wayne Thiebaud, and June Wayne. Kistler’s technical precision allowed painters and illustrators to reproduce complex tonalities and textures. His blindstamp became a mark of quality and authenticity. Joseph Mugnaini: Surrealist Visionary Mugnaini’s work was characterized by dreamlike imagery, symbolic forms, and the psychological dimensions of human experience. Mugnaini’s reputation was cemented through his long collaboration with Ray Bradbury, for whom he illustrated seminal works such as The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man. Ten Views of the Moon (1981): The portfolio “Ten Views of the Moon” demonstrates the connection between Kistler’s printing, and Bradbury’s imagination. Conceived as a suite of ten color lithographs, each sheet was signed by both Mugnaini and Bradbury, and Kistler’s blindstamp. The edition was to be limited to 150 sets, however, only about 84 complete portfolios were produced, with additional artist’s proofs. The portfolio thus embodies a dialogue between Bradbury’s writing, Mugnaini’s visuals and Kistler’s printmaking, proving that a dialogue across disciplines enriches Ten Views of the Moon portfolio. |
Portfolio
The Hound
The April Witch
The Halloween Kite
A Martian Town
A Tower on Mars
The Visitor
Robot World
The Dragon
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