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Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Starting June 3
Exhibitions & Events
Featured event:

Block Party
Join us June 6
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Untitled ["tattoo" book]

1971

James McCracken Jr.

Associated Names

James McCracken Jr.

Artist, American, 1942 - 2017

James McCracken Jr.

Printer, American, 1942 - 2017

The image shows black lines and shapes creating an abstract representation of a skeleton. The lines form a human-like figure with bones resembling a human skeleton's structure, including familiar parts like the skull, ribcage, and limbs. The skull of the figure has radiating lines that resemble a Mohawk hairstyle.

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Artwork overview

Medium

bound volume with 11 monotypes and 20 woodcuts
Credit Line

Gift of Anonymous in honor of Henry Francis du Pont Harrison
Dimensions

overall (closed): 17.1 × 13 × 1.5 cm (6 3/4 × 5 1/8 × 9/16 in.)
sheet (each approx.): 16.4 × 12.6 cm (6 7/16 × 4 15/16 in.)
Accession Number

2021.4.1.7
Volume Title

Untitled ["tattoo" book]

The image displays abstract shapes including a central black circular form with an emblem inside, surrounded by four red skeletal heads positioned symmetrically at the cardinal points. — Untitled ["tattoo" book]

James McCracken Jr., James McCracken Jr.

1971

This is a drawing of text and signatures. The image contains handwritten text on a plain background. The text details the creation of monotypes and woodcuts as well as their combinations. It states, "ON RIVES 11 MONOTYPES, 20 WOODCUTS AND THEIR COMBINATIONS DESIGNED, CUT AND PRINTED BY" followed by a signature that appears as "James M. Cracken" with a notation "1/50". Below this, it reads, "BOUND BY M. LUCEY 1971". — Untitled ["tattoo" book]

James McCracken Jr., James McCracken Jr.

1971

The image displays interconnected black lines and shapes forming an abstract pattern resembling a segmented creature. The design is similar to a caterpillar or centipede, with loops and appendages suggesting movement. The abstract form sits against a plain background, showcasing the intricate detailing and organic nature of the lines. — Untitled ["tattoo" book]

James McCracken Jr., James McCracken Jr.

1971

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The artist; private collection; gift to NGA, 2021

Associated Names

Anonymous

Inscriptions

"James McCracken" colophon, graphite. "1971" colophon, ink.

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