Description

Birthday by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject

Birthday is a rare limited edition lithograph by American folk artist P. Buckley Moss, belonging to her charming Three Boys Four Boys Collection. This celebratory artwork captures the joy and community of a shared birthday gathering, rendered in Moss’s iconic folk art style that blends innocence, tradition, and delight.

The scene centers on a large pink birthday cake with a single glowing candle, placed high on a pedestal. Around the cake, Moss’s signature children—dressed in simple Shaker-inspired clothing—are gathered in playful poses. Some lean toward the cake with curiosity and excitement, while others join hands or tumble about below the pedestal. A mischievous black cat makes its way across the scene, adding humor and liveliness to the celebration.

This lithograph is more than a depiction of a birthday—it’s a reminder of the joy found in togetherness, tradition, and the small rituals of life.

Style & Technique

As with much of Moss’s work, Birthday is painted in her distinctive folk art style, featuring elongated figures, soft pastel tones, and a simple yet deeply symbolic composition. The children’s figures are stylized yet expressive, their joy radiating through posture and placement rather than facial expression.

The soft pinks of the birthday cake contrast beautifully with the darker tones of the children’s traditional attire, drawing the viewer’s focus to the glowing centerpiece. The presence of the black cat adds balance and playfulness, a Moss hallmark where animals often symbolize companionship, curiosity, or whimsy.

Produced as a signed and numbered lithograph, this edition holds special value for collectors, especially those focused on Moss’s rare boy-centered works.

Mood & Inspiration

The mood of Birthday is joyful, playful, and nostalgic. It celebrates the universal delight of birthdays, a time when community, family, and childhood innocence shine brightest. Moss’s inspiration for pieces like this stems from her deep admiration for the simplicity of rural traditions, where even the smallest celebrations were made meaningful by togetherness.

The black cat introduces an element of mischief and humor, while the glowing candle symbolizes life, hope, and continuity—a reminder of the blessings of each passing year.

Placement & Gift Ideas

Birthday is a versatile and heartfelt piece that adds warmth to any home:

• Perfect in a child’s bedroom or playroom, capturing the joy of youth and milestones

• A delightful addition to a family room or dining space, where celebrations are most often shared

• A thoughtful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or special milestones, particularly for families who cherish Moss’s Three Boys Four Boys Collection

• A collector’s treasure, especially for those who admire Moss’s rarer lithographs and her charming depictions of childhood traditions

Each limited edition print is signed and numbered as part of the publishing process, ensuring authenticity before release.
Includes a Certificate of Authenticity from Canada Goose Gallery, embossed with our gallery seal on a gold label. (see FAQs)

1988

Rare Art Print

Image Size: 5-1/8 x 6-1/2 inches. Paper Size: 10-1/8 x 11-1/2 inches.