Prints, Drawings and Watercolors from the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection

This vast digital collection of military artwork from the 16th through 20th centuries, vividly documents all aspects of military and naval history, with emphasis on the history and illustration of world military and naval uniforms from the 17th century to the present. In addition to the material on military and naval dress, the collection contains thousands of battle and campaign scenes, portraits, caricatures, wartime posters, original photographs, material pertaining to military decorations and insignia, heraldic ornaments, armor, weaponry, equitation, flags, knightly orders, court and ceremonial dress, architecture, and the general history of costume.
This collection is part of Brown University Library, hosted by Brown University.

Items in this collection

The Battle of Borodino

The Battle of Borodino

Brown University

Steel-engraving by J. B. Allen after Jones, print by Gad & Keningale; Napoleon, French officers and cavalry in foreground, troops advancing towards battle on distant hilltop. Steel-engraving by J. B. Allen after Jones, print by Gad & Keningale; Napoleon, French officers and cavalry in foreground, troops advancing towards battle on distant hilltop. Small oblong folio; margins; edges water-stained. Title: 'From the picture in the Vernon Gallery. London, Published for the Proprietors'. Miscellaneous: 'Size of the Picture. 7 ft. by 4 ft.'

The Battle of Blenheim MDCCIV. Part the Second

One of a collection of 7 numbered hand-colored and uncolored copper engraved plates of battles (after Louis Laguerre). Companion print: The Battle of Blenheim MDCCIV. Part the Second; uncolored. One of a collection of 7 numbered hand-colored and uncolored copper engraved plates of battles (after Louis Laguerre). Companion print: The Battle of Blenheim MDCCIV. Part the Second; uncolored. Small oblong folio, matted; margins severely trimmed; worn. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1948.

The Battle of Balaklava. The Scots Greys supported by the Enniskillings [sic] are coming to the rescue of the Five Li...

2nd in collection of 3 colored lithographs by Walker after Norie, printed by Day & Son, published Jan. 1, 1855; scene of massive cavalry combat, mounted British attacking Russian cavalry (in blue) from right. 2nd in collection of 3 colored lithographs by Walker after Norie, printed by Day & Son, published Jan. 1, 1855; scene of massive cavalry combat, mounted British attacking Russian cavalry (in blue) from right. Oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; edges stained.

The Battle of Antietam, Md.

Colored lithograph; infantry advancing into battle against artillery in distance. Colored lithograph; infantry advancing into battle against artillery in distance. Small oblong folio, matted; margins. London, Parker Gallery, 1969.

The Battle of Alexandria, March 21st 1801: Representing the exact situation of that Gallant and much lamented General...

Hand-colored engraving by Orme, J. Mitan and C. Turner after Lieut. Wm. Willermin, Royal Staff Corps, published June 4, 1804; violent infantry and cavalry battle in rolling plain, dead and wounded in foreground, ruined fort in right background; uncolored illustration of battle map at bottom center. Hand-colored engraving by Orme, J. Mitan and C. Turner after Lieut. Wm. Willermin, Royal Staff Corps, published June 4, 1804; violent infantry and cavalry battle in rolling plain, dead and wounded in foreground, ruined fort in right background; uncolored illustration of battle map at bottom center. Large oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.

The Battle of Alexandria, March 21st 1801: Representing the exact situation of that Gallant and much lamented General...

Sepia impression of engraving by Orme, J. Mitan and C. Turner after Lieut. William Willermin, Royal Staff Corps, published June 4, 1804; violent infantry and cavalry battle in rolling plain, dead and wounded in foreground, ruined fort in right background; battle map at bottom center. Sepia impression of engraving by Orme, J. Mitan and C. Turner after Lieut. William Willermin, Royal Staff Corps, published June 4, 1804; violent infantry and cavalry battle in rolling plain, dead and wounded in foreground, ruined fort in right background; battle map at bottom center. Large oblong folio, mounted on white paper; plate mark, margins trimmed; clean. Vienna, Christian Nebehay, 1962.

The Battle march

The Battle march

Brown University

Subject: Two mounted British officers (Wilson and Nicholson) giving encouragement to British troops entering city; J. Brandard, M. & N. Hanhart Imp. Subject: Two mounted British officers (Wilson and Nicholson) giving encouragement to British troops entering city; J. Brandard, M. & N. Hanhart Imp. Title continues: Descriptive of the triumphant entry into Delhi, arranged for the piano forte by John Pridham. Pr 2/6.

The Battle at Pittsburg Landing

Steel-engraving by H.B. Hall after Momberger; battle scene at edge of woods by riverbank, monitors on river. Steel-engraving by H.B. Hall after Momberger; battle scene at edge of woods by riverbank, monitors on river. Oblong, matted small folio; margins; margins soiled, worn. N.Y., Argosy, 1954.

The Battle at Edge-hill, 1642

Hand-colored engraving by (and after?) Van der Gucht; battle on plain in hilly countryside in left background, groups of mounted officers in left and right foreground. Hand-colored engraving by (and after?) Van der Gucht; battle on plain in hilly countryside in left background, groups of mounted officers in left and right foreground. Small oblong folio, matted; plate mark, margins trimmed; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.

The Bath Revolution, or, the King deposed

Hand-colored engraved caricature (after Williams), published Decemr. 23d, 1803; young man (the king) being put out of building at left (by James Heaven), naval officer (Rear Admiral Stanhope) and other person (Col. Strode) in conversation at right. Hand-colored engraved caricature (after Williams), published Decemr. 23d, 1803; young man (the king) being put out of building at left (by James Heaven), naval officer (Rear Admiral Stanhope) and other person (Col. Strode) in conversation at right. Oblong medium folio, mounted on blue paper; plate mark, margins trimmed; clean. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1961.

The Bargate, Southampton

Hand-colored engraved by T.S. Seed after Taylor; view of town gate or remains of fortification in city street, 2 mounted light dragoons in center, infantry sentry in right background. Hand-colored engraved by T.S. Seed after Taylor; view of town gate or remains of fortification in city street, 2 mounted light dragoons in center, infantry sentry in right background. Upright folio, matted; plate mark, margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1952.

The Barber riding to Margate

Color mezzotint caricature (after Robert Dighton), published 20 May, 1782; grenadiers, including fifer and drummer in street watching barber in distress on bucking horse, posting inn in background. Color mezzotint caricature (after Robert Dighton), published 20 May, 1782; grenadiers, including fifer and drummer in street watching barber in distress on bucking horse, posting inn in background. Upright folio, matted; margins severely trimmed; worn and soiled. London, Spencer, 1953.

The Bantum (sic) cock and straw-adjutant

Hand-colored etched caricature (made for Charles Williams), published April 20th, 1804; 'Scene in the stable-yard of an inn. A cavalry officer [of 10th Light Dragoons] in fashionable uniform, larger in scale than the other figures, lies on the cobbles, protecting his head with his arm from a small young man who stands over him with clenched fists. The latter says: "What have you got your Belly full already! get up, get up, I am but a Chicken. - "On by the Spur of valor goaded." The officer answers: "I won't get up, I won't get up, unless you will lay down plenty of Straw." A grinning postilion points to a heap of straw: "I say you had better lay the Gentleman here." An ostler holding a currycomb points derisively, saying, "Why if you are so frighten'd at that little Bantum, how would you be able to meet Bonaparte in single combat, eh?" There is a third amused spectator. An 'Ostlers Bell' is placarded; through an open door a saddle-horse with military trappings is seen in a loose-box'. -- British Museum. Hand-colored etched caricature (made for Charles Williams), published April 20th, 1804; 'Scene in the stable-yard of an inn. A cavalry officer [of 10th Light Dragoons] in fashionable uniform, larger in scale than the other figures, lies on the cobbles, protecting his head with his arm from a small young man who stands over him with clenched fists. The latter says: "What have you got your Belly full already! get up, get up, I am but a Chicken. - "On by the Spur of valor goaded." The officer answers: "I won't get up, I won't get up, unless you will lay down plenty of Straw." A grinning postilion points to a heap of straw: "I say you had better lay the Gentleman here." An ostler holding a currycomb points derisively, saying, "Why if you are so frighten'd at that little Bantum, how would you be able to meet Bonaparte in single combat, eh?" There is a third amused spectator. An 'Ostlers Bell' is placarded; through an open door a saddle-horse with military trappings is seen in a loose-box'. -- British Museum. Oblong medium folio, mounted on blue paper; plate mark, margins trimmed; slightly worn and yellowed. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1961.

The Band, 3rd Hampshire Regiment 1898

Original sepia photograph, group portrait of members of a band, first row children, seated on the ground, 2nd row of men seated on chairs, and third row of men standing, drums and drummers in front center, two wearing leopard skins; tents in background. In pencil on back: Band 3d Hams. Original sepia photograph, group portrait of members of a band, first row children, seated on the ground, 2nd row of men seated on chairs, and third row of men standing, drums and drummers in front center, two wearing leopard skins; tents in background. In pencil on back: Band 3d Hams. Oblong medium folio; no margins; creased, torn and worn.

The Band, 1st Life Guards, 1880

One of series of original watercolors signed by Norie; mounted military band with instruments riding down road, two civilians walking at left. One of series of original watercolors signed by Norie; mounted military band with instruments riding down road, two civilians walking at left. Oblong medium folio, matted; no margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery. Title supplied by cataloger

The Band of the 1st Life Guards

Original watercolor signed by Becker; mounted band with kettle-drummer etc. preceding body of Life Guards in street, some men and women spectators on sidewalk at right. Original watercolor signed by Becker; mounted band with kettle-drummer etc. preceding body of Life Guards in street, some men and women spectators on sidewalk at right. Oblong medium folio, matted; no margins; clean. Title supplied by cataloger. London, Parker Gallery, 1954.

The Band of Her Majesty's first Life Guards Hyde Park

Color lithograph by M. & N. Hanhart after Beadle; mounted band and guardsmen marching along roadway in park, accompanied by groups of small boys at right and left. Color lithograph by M. & N. Hanhart after Beadle; mounted band and guardsmen marching along roadway in park, accompanied by groups of small boys at right and left. Large oblong folio, matted; margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1949.

The balance of power

The balance of power

Brown University

The sheet is taken up by a pair of large scales suspended from a balance beam. Pitt and Addington stand on the left scale, which hangs in the air. Napoleon confidently poses on the right scale, which is firmly planted on the ground. The caricature of Pitt has his hallmark snub-nose and angular limbs. Addington, who crouches next to Pitt and grasps his shoulder in order to concentrate his weight, wears his Speaker's robes and a long white wig. The black robes are embroidered with gold thread and hang over the scale platform, lending Addington the appearance of being a huge black beetle. From his vantage point on the ground, Napoleon gazes up at the British politicians. He is dressed in a blue uniform and wears a hat ornamented with fat plumes. In his right hand he holds a sword, pointed downward from his hip; his left hand is curled on his waist. As indicated by Pitt's speech, the sword Napoleon carries and employs has tipped the balance of power. This sheet has been closely trimmed and mounted onto a piece of stiff paper. The dimensions indicated reflect the size of the mount followed by the actual size of the sheet. Small triangle in graphite in lower left corner of sheet. The sheet is taken up by a pair of large scales suspended from a balance beam. Pitt and Addington stand on the left scale, which hangs in the air. Napoleon confidently poses on the right scale, which is firmly planted on the ground. The caricature of Pitt has his hallmark snub-nose and angular limbs. Addington, who crouches next to Pitt and grasps his shoulder in order to concentrate his weight, wears his Speaker's robes and a long white wig. The black robes are embroidered with gold thread and hang over the scale platform, lending Addington the appearance of being a huge black beetle. From his vantage point on the ground, Napoleon gazes up at the British politicians. He is dressed in a blue uniform and wears a hat ornamented with fat plumes. In his right hand he holds a sword, pointed downward from his hip; his left hand is curled on his waist. As indicated by Pitt's speech, the sword Napoleon carries and employs has tipped the balance of power. This sheet has been closely trimmed and mounted onto a piece of stiff paper. The dimensions indicated reflect the size of the mount followed by the actual size of the sheet. Small triangle in graphite in lower left corner of sheet. Published by Samuel W. Fores. Mary George notes that this simple image was made to satirize the peace preliminaries. 1801-12-01 Caption: Pubd Decr 1, 1801 by S W Fores 50 Piccadilly Dialogue: Pitt: "So this is the Balance of Power--We have been makeing such a fuss about--a pretty piece of business we have made of it, Curse that Sword of his, t'is that has made us kick the Beam!" Inscription: Folios of Caricatures lent out for the Evening. Collector's Mark: A

The balance of justice

The balance of justice

Brown University

Hand-colored etched caricature (after Williams), published March 3d, 1802; group of sailors hanged from one arm of scale at left, officer (Governor John Wall) hanging from the other arm at right, persons conferring at table beyond open door in center. Hand-colored etched caricature (after Williams), published March 3d, 1802; group of sailors hanged from one arm of scale at left, officer (Governor John Wall) hanging from the other arm at right, persons conferring at table beyond open door in center. Oblong medium folio, mounted on blue paper; plate mark, margins trimmed; clean. Another copy: As above; margins severely trimmed; clean; in Robinson Collection, Vol. 9, Part 1. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1961.

The Baillie [sic] Bridge. Naini Tal. March/91: left side view

Collodion print photograph; side view of iron bailey bridge with stone embankments at Nainital, rocky ridge on left, dry riverbed below. Title from pencil inscription on verso Collodion print photograph; side view of iron bailey bridge with stone embankments at Nainital, rocky ridge on left, dry riverbed below. Title from pencil inscription on verso Oblong; no margins; edges wrinkled, faded. title provided by cataloger

The awkward squad

The awkward squad

Brown University

Subject: officer trying to train group of comic volunteer infantrymen, landscape background with tents; T. Packer, lith, Stannrd & Dixon. Subject: officer trying to train group of comic volunteer infantrymen, landscape background with tents; T. Packer, lith, Stannrd & Dixon. Title continues: Or the experience of a volunteer rifleman dedicated to his comrades. Written and arranged by Henry Walker.

The Austrian Generals

The Austrian Generals

Brown University

Colored lithograph by and after Guerin, printed by M. & N. Hanhart; 6 generals, mounted, outdoors. Colored lithograph by and after Guerin, printed by M. & N. Hanhart; 6 generals, mounted, outdoors. Oblong folio; margins intact; clean. Vienna, Christian Nebehay, 1956.

The Aurelian macaroni

The Aurelian macaroni

Brown University

Caricature of Moses Harris, English entomologist, published July 5th, 1773. 'No.10: A young man leaning against a bank under a tree holds out in his right hand a square frame in which are displayed dead butterflies and moths. In his left hand is a butterfly net. His hat is a large butterfly; writhing caterpillars represent his curled hair. A butterfly rests on his left coat cuff. His coat is adorned with symmetrical snails to represent trimming'. -- British Museum. From 'Characters, Macaronies & Caricatures, by MDarly' [1773] (Vol.6). Caricature of Moses Harris, English entomologist, published July 5th, 1773. 'No.10: A young man leaning against a bank under a tree holds out in his right hand a square frame in which are displayed dead butterflies and moths. In his left hand is a butterfly net. His hat is a large butterfly; writhing caterpillars represent his curled hair. A butterfly rests on his left coat cuff. His coat is adorned with symmetrical snails to represent trimming'. -- British Museum. From 'Characters, Macaronies & Caricatures, by MDarly' [1773] (Vol.6).

The Augusta Regiment (Pennsylvania) 1957. Private

One of a collection of 12 watercolors of American Colonial Militia uniforms, 1756-1761. Figure in green, orange and khaki holding rifle. One of a collection of 12 watercolors of American Colonial Militia uniforms, 1756-1761. Figure in green, orange and khaki holding rifle. Unbound; in 1/2 black leather and blue cloth case stamped gold. Berlin, Knötel, 1950.

The Attack upon the Village of Blenheim in which were taken twenty-eight battalions and twelve squadrons of dismounte...

One of a suite of 5 hand colored engravings; this one a hand colored engraving by Van der Gucht after Laguerre; cavalry and infantry combat in river and on field above river. One of a suite of 5 hand colored engravings; this one a hand colored engraving by Van der Gucht after Laguerre; cavalry and infantry combat in river and on field above river. Large upright folio, matted; plate mark; margins intact; worn. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.

The Attack on the Strong Fort of Grijo on the 11th of May 1809: Respectfully Dedicated to Major General the Honorable...

11th in collection of 12 (of 13) numbered and unnumbered hand-colored engravings (this one uncolored) by Heath, after Leveque, published Jan. 1. 1813; battle scene in countryside, with cavalry combat in foreground, artillery and infantry in middle distance, hilly farmland and ocean in background. 11th in collection of 12 (of 13) numbered and unnumbered hand-colored engravings (this one uncolored) by Heath, after Leveque, published Jan. 1. 1813; battle scene in countryside, with cavalry combat in foreground, artillery and infantry in middle distance, hilly farmland and ocean in background. Oblong folio, 6 prints, matted; most with plate marks and margins intact; some slightly soiled. From 'Campaigns of the British Army in Portugal...' London, Francis Edwards, 1962.

The Attack on the Malakoff

Original watercolor, for two-color lithograph (see FrB1855f-), signed and dated by Simpson; French infantry and zouves storming up over earthworks, officer waving flag at top. Original watercolor, for two-color lithograph (see FrB1855f-), signed and dated by Simpson; French infantry and zouves storming up over earthworks, officer waving flag at top. For lithograph in 'The Seat of the War in the East'. signature and date: Wm Simpson Sept 1855

The Attack on the Malakoff

2-color lithograph by E. Morin after Simpson, printed by Day & Son, published October 22nd, 1855; French infantry and Zouaves storming up over earthworks, officer waving flag at top. 2-color lithograph by E. Morin after Simpson, printed by Day & Son, published October 22nd, 1855; French infantry and Zouaves storming up over earthworks, officer waving flag at top. Oblong medium folio, matted; margins severely trimmed; clean. title: THE ATTACK OF THE MALAKOFF. caption: W. Simpson del. E. Morin lith caption: Paris, Goupil & Cie. DÉPOSÉ caption: Published Octr. 22nd. 1855. by Paul & Dominic Colnaghi & Co. 13 & 14. Pall Mall East. Publishers to Her Majesty caption: Day & Son, Lithrs. to the Queen caption: COLNAGHI'S AUTHENTIC SERIES

The Attack on the French Corps, commanded by Genl. Laborde, on the 17th of Augt. 1808: Respectfully Dedicated to Lieu...

2nd in collection of 12 (of 13) numbered and un-numbered hand-colored engraving by Vendramini, Heath and Schiavonetti after Leveque, published Jany. 1, 1813; battle, scene, with mounted British officers receiving captured French officer on foot in foreground, windmill and range of steep hills in background. 2nd in collection of 12 (of 13) numbered and un-numbered hand-colored engraving by Vendramini, Heath and Schiavonetti after Leveque, published Jany. 1, 1813; battle, scene, with mounted British officers receiving captured French officer on foot in foreground, windmill and range of steep hills in background. Oblong folio, matted; most with plate marks and margins intact; some slightly soiled. From 'Campaigns of the British Army in Portugal...' London, Parker Gallery, 1955.