Garden of Earthly Delights c. 1968

James McCracken Jr. made this artwork on an unknown date using graphite and pastel chalk on paper. The ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’ seems to echo Hieronymus Bosch’s famous triptych, but what might it say about American culture in the late 20th century? The title evokes ideas of paradise, sin, and temptation, but McCracken’s abstract composition makes it harder to interpret. Is the dark background a sign of societal decay? Perhaps the fluid shapes are suggestive of consumerism, slipping through our fingers. The artist worked for many years as a professor, so this may even be a subtle critique of the institutions of art education. Art historical research can help us understand how artists like McCracken engaged with both their predecessors and their contemporaries. By examining his work in relation to the social and institutional contexts of his time, we can appreciate its power to challenge existing norms and encourage critical reflection.