Wayman R. Spence, M.D, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation had multiple successful careers; as physician, writer, art collector, inventor of sports medicine products, and health educator. Spence became aware of Mulleian’s paintings at a feature exhibit at Gallery On The Square in San Francisco’s North Beach during the early 1980’s. Here he discovered a startling, powerfully resonating piece entitled Dies Irae by Mulleian, depicting the aftermath of nuclear annialation. Amazed and captivated by the painting’s stark, dramatic beauty, it’s concept and execution, it’s symphony of color and form, Spence would enthusiastically embark on several visits to the gallery, each time to study the painting in ever greater detail, each time discovering more. In a letter to Mulleian, Wayman R. Spence writes, I think this piece is marvelous in many ways and has a message, which needs to be delivered.

Upon request by Spence, the gallery owner would arrange a meeting with Mulleian and, in a closed-door session, would buy the right to reproduce and publish the painting. Within that year Spence would purchase the original peace for the Medical Heritage Gallery, a prestigious collection of contemporary art. Dies Irae would eventually be published by WRS publishing, along with another painting by Mulleian, entitled Spring Rain, a work which depicts a reflection on the implications of the Aids epidemic. Both works were later featured in a national and international hard cover art book entitled The Healing Arts: The Best American Artists Look at Medicine Today, curated and written by Wayman R. Spence, M.D. In colaberation with his assistant Ann Page. Book design by Kenneth Turbeville. And jacket design by Joe James, a volume comprising the works of sixty artists, including a piece by Jose Pevez.