Jacobin Pigeon, No. 9643, 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 Jacobin Pigeon No. 9643, the bird’s extraordinary feathered hood is set against Damask Textile, a backdrop whose formal patterning gives the image a sense of richness, ceremony, and quiet theatricality.

The Jacobin pigeon is a distinctive breed known for the dramatic ruff of feathers that frames its head, giving it an almost regal, costumed appearance. Photographed in Jordan in 2018, the bird appears elegant and self-contained, its unusual silhouette transforming a familiar species into a subject of ornament, presence, and personality.

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 a layered meditation on beauty, individuality, and the long human impulse to admire and understand the natural world. In keeping with the spirit of the project, a percentage of the artist’s profits from the series will be donated to charity.