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 American National Guard

Subject: National Guard color bearer, outdoors. Subject: National Guard color bearer, outdoors. Title continues: Harry Hunter's copyright version in addition to the original...Sung with immense success by James Francis of the Mohawk Minstrels, Agricultural Hall, London. Words printed separately on verso. "Price 3/-"

The American General Lee taken Prisoner by Lieutenant Colonel Harcourt of the English Army, in Morris Country, New Je...

3rd in collection of 4 copper-engraved plates after Hamilton, each with ornamental border; American general being led outside building by mounted and standing British dragoons, dead soldiers in foreground. 3rd in collection of 4 copper-engraved plates after Hamilton, each with ornamental border; American general being led outside building by mounted and standing British dragoons, dead soldiers in foreground. Engraved for Barnard's New Complete & Authentic History of England. London, Parker Gallery, 1951.

The ambushed picket

The ambushed picket

Brown University

Wood engraved plate after Remington; runaway horse dragging fallen and wounded soldier; short text pasted on verso of mount. Wood engraved plate after Remington; runaway horse dragging fallen and wounded soldier; short text pasted on verso of mount. From Harper's Weekly, June 8, 1889. Providence, James Tyson, 1956.

The Alma River song

The Alma River song

Brown University

British guardsman sitting and talking to a French zouave on river bank; after R.J. Hamerton British guardsman sitting and talking to a French zouave on river bank; after R.J. Hamerton written and composed by Mrs. Alfred Tennyson Eng. St. Hall

The Alma galop

The Alma galop

Brown University

Subject: panoramic view of battle; Thomas Packer; Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Subject: panoramic view of battle; Thomas Packer; Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Title continues: Dedicated to the allied armies by L. Williams. Price 2/6.

The Allies shaving shop or Boney in the suds

Protesting and attempting to slide off the barber's stool, Napoleon is covered by mounds of soap suds. On his left, the Czar pinches Napoleon's nose closed and prepares to take a swipe at Napoleon's head with an absurdly large razor inscribed "Platoff's Improved." On his right, Bernadotte stands with a plate of "Swedish Lathers" and a large brush with which he applies the soap to Napoleon's face. Behind Bernadotte and to his left, a fat Dutchman has rolled up his sleeves to froth "Holland Suds" in a barrel labeled "Hollands." Francis I of Austria joins in carrying a dish piled high with "Austrian Suds." Meanwhile, Frederick William sits on the right of the scene and sharpens a razor inscribed "Prussian Steel," using a "Liptzic Whet stone." A placard posted on the wall over Prussia's chair announces that the shop is "Russia Prussia Austria Sweeden & Co. Shavers in General To Nap Boney and His Grand Army." Significantly, none of the figures is obliquely caricatured; however, their features are slightly exaggerated to ease identification. Moreover, the engraver's skill is lacking when rendering perspectival details. Protesting and attempting to slide off the barber's stool, Napoleon is covered by mounds of soap suds. On his left, the Czar pinches Napoleon's nose closed and prepares to take a swipe at Napoleon's head with an absurdly large razor inscribed "Platoff's Improved." On his right, Bernadotte stands with a plate of "Swedish Lathers" and a large brush with which he applies the soap to Napoleon's face. Behind Bernadotte and to his left, a fat Dutchman has rolled up his sleeves to froth "Holland Suds" in a barrel labeled "Hollands." Francis I of Austria joins in carrying a dish piled high with "Austrian Suds." Meanwhile, Frederick William sits on the right of the scene and sharpens a razor inscribed "Prussian Steel," using a "Liptzic Whet stone." A placard posted on the wall over Prussia's chair announces that the shop is "Russia Prussia Austria Sweeden & Co. Shavers in General To Nap Boney and His Grand Army." Significantly, none of the figures is obliquely caricatured; however, their features are slightly exaggerated to ease identification. Moreover, the engraver's skill is lacking when rendering perspectival details. Published by Knight. This image reverses the satirical convention wherein Napoleon is represented as the shaver to the crowned heads of Europe. In this response to Leipzig, Napoleon is now made the victim of the Allies. For other representations of Napoleon being shaved, see the satires on his Russian campaign. 1813-11-25 Caption: Pub Nov 25 1813 by S Knight Sweetings All Cornhill Annotation: THI. 53 Collector's Mark: A

The allied waltz

The allied waltz

Brown University

Subject: group portrait of Napoleon III with Empress Eugénie, and Queen Victoria with Prince Albert, drapery of flags above; Des. by H. Gibson; Lith par Bettannier; Paris, Imprimerie en coueurs de N. Leclercq, 17, rue Chapon. Subject: group portrait of Napoleon III with Empress Eugénie, and Queen Victoria with Prince Albert, drapery of flags above; Des. by H. Gibson; Lith par Bettannier; Paris, Imprimerie en coueurs de N. Leclercq, 17, rue Chapon. Title continues: Dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Victoria and the Empéror of the French, by Henry Gibson Esqre. Price 4/s. 'The profits arising from the sale of this work will be devoted to the benefit of' ...[page trimmed]

The Allied generals before Sebastopol

1 engraving on paper mounted on board by Lewis after Barker; mounted and dismounted soldiers and officers (over 70 portraits) standing on a height overlooking the city of Sebastopol which is being bombarded 1 engraving on paper mounted on board by Lewis after Barker; mounted and dismounted soldiers and officers (over 70 portraits) standing on a height overlooking the city of Sebastopol which is being bombarded Giant oblong folio. London, David Cohen Military Prints, 1995 Prints, Drawings and Watercolors from the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

The allied efforts, or political struggle

In this image, as in the Cruikshank from which it derives (see Notes), five monarchs attempt to climb a soaped or greasy pole. The Austrian Emperor is at the base of the pole and supports the others stacked on his back. Small in stature yet of prepossessing girth, Louis XVIII attempts to grasp the prize/crown placed at the top of the pole. Directly underneath Louis XVIII, Wellington pushes him upwards with one hand placed suggestively on the restored King's backside. Wellington himself is awkwardly supported by the King of Prussia, who in turn straddles the Czar's shoulders. Alexander I stands fully upright on Francis of Austria's hunched back and appears proud and contentedly unaware of the struggle taking place above him. Standing on the ground at the base of the pole, the young King of Rome tugs at his grandfather's coat demanding attention. Napoleon is also included; he stands concealed by shrubbery behind a rock and grumpily claims, "I climb'd up twice without any help." In this image, as in the Cruikshank from which it derives (see Notes), five monarchs attempt to climb a soaped or greasy pole. The Austrian Emperor is at the base of the pole and supports the others stacked on his back. Small in stature yet of prepossessing girth, Louis XVIII attempts to grasp the prize/crown placed at the top of the pole. Directly underneath Louis XVIII, Wellington pushes him upwards with one hand placed suggestively on the restored King's backside. Wellington himself is awkwardly supported by the King of Prussia, who in turn straddles the Czar's shoulders. Alexander I stands fully upright on Francis of Austria's hunched back and appears proud and contentedly unaware of the struggle taking place above him. Standing on the ground at the base of the pole, the young King of Rome tugs at his grandfather's coat demanding attention. Napoleon is also included; he stands concealed by shrubbery behind a rock and grumpily claims, "I climb'd up twice without any help." Publisher unknown. This sheet has been cropped to the margins of the image. Because of the cropping, very little information can be gleaned. However, it probably relates to a satire etched by George Cruikshank and published by William Hone on Oct. 6, 1815. Cruikshank's satire is titled 'Louis XVIII Climbing the Mat de Cocagne,' BM 12614, Broadley 550. Another copy of Cruikshank's print is 'The Mat de Cocagne--or Louis XVIII Supported by Ye Allies!!,' BM 12615. The satire etched by Cruikshank--and by extension, this image as well--was based on a French print. 1815? Caption: The Mat de Cocagne is a long pole, well soaped, on the top of which are hung upon public occasions various Prizes which he who climbs/to the top gets. A poor Creature of total incapacity affords infinite pity & Merriment, & tumbles down faster then he ascends. He who fails once/ and tries again affords the most sport. Dialogue: Francis I: "If I leave them they will fall on me." Dialogue: King of Rome: "dear Grand Pappa, leave all these folks to themselves." Dialogue: Napoleon: "I climb'd up twice, without any help." Dialogue: Alexander I: "behold my Work! Dialogue: Francis I: "Let me take what suits me." Dialogue: Louis XVIII: "Support me or I shall fall!" Inscription: New French Caricature selling privately at Paris. Annotation: 1815 Annotation: Napoleon, 91 [circled], 141 [also circled] Annotation: 750 Annotation: TH264 Collector's Mark: A

The Allied Bakers or the Corsican Toad in the Hole

In this well-known sheet, three Allied officers on the right are poised to deposit a tiny, writhing Napoleon into a large brick oven inscribed "Allied Oven." For these "bakers," putting the dish into the oven takes a tremendous effort. Three uniformed rulers grasp the baker's paddle while the Austrian emperor, wearing a weathervane on his hat, pretends to struggle to open the oven door, thereby preventing the bakers from slipping the paddle in. Blücher, the lead baker, wears an apron and stands closest to the opening of the oven. Behind him, Gen. Mikhail Woronzoff leans forward, urging Blücher to hurry. Bernadotte, standing at the far left, places his hand on Woronzoff's shoulder in encouragement. Presenting a united front, these three bakers are not caricatured and cut elegant figures. Wellington, who stands at the far right of the sheet, carries a tray on which two additional dishes, "Soult Pie," and "Bordeaux" are to be added to the fire. Like the dapper allied bakers, Wellington is represented as a confident military hero. In contrast, the comical figure of Francis I, Emperor of Austria, is criticized for his indecisiveness and buffoonery. His grotesque figure is matched by the dwarfish Dutchman, seated at the hearth of the oven, who complacently works the bellows and feeds the fire with guns and ornate imperial eagles, the remnants of Napoleon's imperial authority. In this well-known sheet, three Allied officers on the right are poised to deposit a tiny, writhing Napoleon into a large brick oven inscribed "Allied Oven." For these "bakers," putting the dish into the oven takes a tremendous effort. Three uniformed rulers grasp the baker's paddle while the Austrian emperor, wearing a weathervane on his hat, pretends to struggle to open the oven door, thereby preventing the bakers from slipping the paddle in. Blücher, the lead baker, wears an apron and stands closest to the opening of the oven. Behind him, Gen. Mikhail Woronzoff leans forward, urging Blücher to hurry. Bernadotte, standing at the far left, places his hand on Woronzoff's shoulder in encouragement. Presenting a united front, these three bakers are not caricatured and cut elegant figures. Wellington, who stands at the far right of the sheet, carries a tray on which two additional dishes, "Soult Pie," and "Bordeaux" are to be added to the fire. Like the dapper allied bakers, Wellington is represented as a confident military hero. In contrast, the comical figure of Francis I, Emperor of Austria, is criticized for his indecisiveness and buffoonery. His grotesque figure is matched by the dwarfish Dutchman, seated at the hearth of the oven, who complacently works the bellows and feeds the fire with guns and ornate imperial eagles, the remnants of Napoleon's imperial authority. Published by Hannah Humphrey, 1814-04-01 The design for this engraving derives from an eariler print by Gillray titled 'Tiddy Doll'; see Broadley E243. See also Broadley F6, 'Le Four Des Alliées,' for a French edition of this sheet, and 'British Cookery,' Broadley E134, for more oven imagery. Caption: Pubd. April 1st, 1814 by H. Humphrey S. James St. Dialogue: Bernadotte: "I tell you what, Woronzow the Hinges need a little Russian oil." Dialogue: Woronzow: "In with it Blücher" Dialogue: Blücher: "Pull away Frank! you keep us waiting!" Dialogue: Francis I: "This door Sticks! I don't think I shall get it open!!" Dialogue: Wellington: "Shove all together Gentlemen! D___ me shove door and all in!" Printed Signature: George Cruikshank fect. George Humphrey invt.

The Allied armies

The Allied armies

Brown University

Subject: British and French soldiers with standards on heights, others arriving, dead Russian soldiers and cannon; L. Huard, Lith; M. & N. Hanhart, Impt. Subject: British and French soldiers with standards on heights, others arriving, dead Russian soldiers and cannon; L. Huard, Lith; M. & N. Hanhart, Impt. Title continues: Quadrille by Jullien.

The alliance varsoviana

The alliance varsoviana

Brown University

Subject: Napoleon III in uniform inviting Queen Victoria, seated, to dance, other dancers behind; R.B. Utting Del., M. & N. Hanhart, Imp., J. Brandard, Lith. Subject: Napoleon III in uniform inviting Queen Victoria, seated, to dance, other dancers behind; R.B. Utting Del., M. & N. Hanhart, Imp., J. Brandard, Lith. Title continues: Composed & dedicated to Charles C. Andrews Esqe. by Carlo Minasi. Pr. 2/6.

The alliance polka

The alliance polka

Brown University

Subject: Napoleon III in uniform leading Queen Victoria in a dance; signed A. Laby. Subject: Napoleon III in uniform leading Queen Victoria in a dance; signed A. Laby. Title continues: Composed by C.H.R. Marriott. Pr. 2/6.

The Aliwal march

The Aliwal march

Brown University

Subject: Coat of Arms of General Sir Harry Smith with infantryman and rifleman supporters. Subject: Coat of Arms of General Sir Harry Smith with infantryman and rifleman supporters. Title continues: Composed & dedicated to General Sir Harry Smith G.C.B. by Mrs. Philip Crawley. Price 3/-

The Albert Victor waltz

The Albert Victor waltz

Brown University

Subject: Three-quarter length portrait [from a photograph] of Prince Victor Albert in hussar uniform; W. & D. Downey, 57, Ebury St. W.; Hanhart Lith. Subject: Three-quarter length portrait [from a photograph] of Prince Victor Albert in hussar uniform; W. & D. Downey, 57, Ebury St. W.; Hanhart Lith. Title continues: By Felix Burns, by the same composer, un chant d'amour valse.

The Albert Edward quadrille

Subject: Oval half-length portrait of Prince of Wales in undress uniform of Grenadier Guards; by Hamerton. Subject: Oval half-length portrait of Prince of Wales in undress uniform of Grenadier Guards; by Hamerton. Title continues: By C.H.R. Marriott. Price 4/-

The alarm

The alarm

Brown University

Original drawing in blue pencil, signed and dated: 'Melton Prior, Bombay Jan 25, '03'; standing officer and crouching rifleman, on ridge, aiming to fire; smaller figures of troops in background, river and plain in distance. Original drawing in blue pencil, signed and dated: 'Melton Prior, Bombay Jan 25, '03'; standing officer and crouching rifleman, on ridge, aiming to fire; smaller figures of troops in background, river and plain in distance. Drawn for the Illustrated London News. Signed and dated: Melton Prior, Bombay Jan 25, '03

The Afghan or Ali Musjid galop

Subject: British artillery in plain bombarding fort on hilltop. Subject: British artillery in plain bombarding fort on hilltop. composed by W.H. Westover. Title continues: Composed by W.H. Westover. Performed with great success at Hamilton's Exhibition. Price 1s. Nett.

The Advance of Sir Colin Campbell

Subject: Sir Colin Campbell mounted on horse with hand raised leading highland soldiers on towards distant city; Hanhart Imp. Subject: Sir Colin Campbell mounted on horse with hand raised leading highland soldiers on towards distant city; Hanhart Imp. Title continues: With the bravest of the brave, descriptive of the fall of Lucknow. Arranged for the pianoforte by John Pridham. Pr. 4/-

The adieu valse

The adieu valse

Brown University

composed by H.J. Snelling. For piano. Cover title. Tinted cover lithograph by J.H. Bufford: hussar taking leave of woman in room, groom with horse visible through door.

The adieu valse

The adieu valse

Brown University

composed by H.J. Snelling. For piano. Cover title. Tinted cover lithograph by J. H. Bufford: hussar taking leave of woman in room, groom with horse visible through door.

The Abyssinian Galop

The Abyssinian Galop

Brown University

Subject: view of Abyssinian camp at top, view of soldiers advancing into battle at bottom, oval central illustration of 'Theodore'; Childs & Harris Lith; J. Hardy, Imp., 190 1/2 High Holborn. Subject: view of Abyssinian camp at top, view of soldiers advancing into battle at bottom, oval central illustration of 'Theodore'; Childs & Harris Lith; J. Hardy, Imp., 190 1/2 High Holborn. Title continues: Composed by Henry Parker. Pr. 3/-

The Absent Father, or, The Sorrows of War

One of a pair of stipple engraved sentimental scenes by W. Nutter after H. Singleton; country wife and family seated outside cottage listening to letter read by musician in uniform. [See also: The Parent Restor'd, or, The Blessings of Peace.] One of a pair of stipple engraved sentimental scenes by W. Nutter after H. Singleton; country wife and family seated outside cottage listening to letter read by musician in uniform. [See also: The Parent Restor'd, or, The Blessings of Peace.] Upright folio, matted; plate mark, margins trimmed; soiled.

The absent father

The absent father

Brown University

Hand-colored line and stipple engraving; country wife and family outside cottage door listening to soldier musician in uniform reading letter. Hand-colored line and stipple engraving; country wife and family outside cottage door listening to soldier musician in uniform reading letter. Upright folio, matted; margins trimmed; edges worn.

The A.V.C.

The A.V.C.

Brown University

Original watercolor semi-caricature on blue board signed by Sabre (pseudonym); standing uniform figure in profile of officer of Army Veterinary Corps. Original watercolor semi-caricature on blue board signed by Sabre (pseudonym); standing uniform figure in profile of officer of Army Veterinary Corps. Upright medium folio, matted; margins; clean, corner slightly crumpled. London, Parker Gallery, 1968.

The A.T.S.

The A.T.S.

Brown University

One of a collection of 12 original signed watercolors of uniforms signed Cedric. Figure in dark khaki facing right. One of a collection of 12 original signed watercolors of uniforms signed Cedric. Figure in dark khaki facing right. Unbound; in red cloth portfolio stamped gold; slightly soiled.. London, Foster Groom, 1950.