English Pouter Pigeon, No. 9564, 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 richly patterned, historically inspired backdrops, creating portraits that sit between natural history, decorative art, and contemporary photography. In English Pouter Pigeon, 9564, Rosen places the bird before an ornate black and gray patterned textile, creating a formal setting that echoes the pigeon’s refined posture and graphic markings.

English pouter pigeons are known for their distinctive inflated crop, upright stance, long legs, and feathered feet. Here, Rosen captures the bird with a wonderful sense of poise, its rounded chest and elegant silhouette giving the image an almost theatrical presence. The richly patterned backdrop heightens the bird’s sculptural form, while its direct gaze brings character and immediacy to the portrait.

Rosen’s process is rooted in patience, observation, and respect for her subjects. These photographs are not digitally composited. Instead, the artist brings carefully selected wallpapers and textile backdrops to the birds and photographs them in real time. Rather than forcing a pose, Rosen allows each bird’s natural movements and personality to guide the image.

The result is elegant, playful, and full of personality. English Pouter Pigeon, 9564 reflects Rosen’s ability to transform an encounter with a living bird into a portrait that feels both decorative and vividly present. In keeping with the spirit of the project, a percentage of the artist’s profits from the series will be donated to charity.