Blue Americanus Chicken, No. 6178, Birds of a Feather

Signed and editioned on recto. Signed, titled, dated and editioned on certificate of authenticity.

Available in 3 sizes:

18 x 12 inches (edition of 15)

36 x 24 inches (edition of 7)

60 x 40 inches (edition of 5)

In Birds of a Feather, Claire Rosen photographs live birds against opulent, historically inspired backdrops, creating portraits that sit somewhere between natural history, decorative art, and contemporary photography. In Blue Americanus Chicken No. 6178, the bird’s soft grey-blue plumage is set against Toile Paper, a backdrop whose pastoral patterning creates a graceful dialogue between domestic life, decorative tradition, and natural beauty.

The Blue Americanus chicken, here named “Olive,” brings a quiet dignity and charm to the composition. Photographed in Pennsylvania, USA, in 2019, the bird appears calm and self-possessed, its rounded form, delicate markings, and subtle coloring transforming a familiar barnyard subject into something elegant and portrait-like.

Rosen’s process is rooted in patience, close observation, and respect for the birds she photographs. These are not digitally composited images; the artist brings her carefully selected wallpapers and textile backdrops to the birds, photographing them in front of the chosen setting in real time. Rather than forcing a pose, Rosen allows each bird’s natural movements, gestures, and personality to guide the image, capturing moments when the subject appears calm, alert, and fully itself. The result is both charming and carefully composed, inviting us to reconsider the beauty, individuality, and character of creatures often seen as ordinary. In keeping with the spirit of the project, a percentage of the artist’s profits from the series will be donated to charity.