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

Preussische Königliche Infanterie

12th in collection of hand-colored engraved plates by H. Mansfeld, Rahl, Alberto and Enrico Adam, after Kobell; large uniform group of massed infantry on plain, mounted and standing officers in foreground, woman on far left holding bottle being held by soldier near tent 12th in collection of hand-colored engraved plates by H. Mansfeld, Rahl, Alberto and Enrico Adam, after Kobell; large uniform group of massed infantry on plain, mounted and standing officers in foreground, woman on far left holding bottle being held by soldier near tent Giant folio, matted; margins; clean, margins slightly worn. title provided by cataloger

Preussische Infanterie 1864

6th in collection of 7 mounted halftone and wood-engraved plates after Kissner; group of 5 soldiers marching down road toward left; more marching in background. 6th in collection of 7 mounted halftone and wood-engraved plates after Kissner; group of 5 soldiers marching down road toward left; more marching in background. Small folio, unbound; in blue cloth portfolio stamped gold. New York, Walter Schatzki, 1952.

Preussis. Garde Artillerie Offizier

14th in collection of 15 unsigned original watercolors of uniform figures; officer in blue waistcoat, gray trousers, and hat, seen from behind. 14th in collection of 15 unsigned original watercolors of uniform figures; officer in blue waistcoat, gray trousers, and hat, seen from behind. Unbound; in red cloth case, red leather backstrip stamped gold.

Preussernes Farvel til den Tappre Landsoldat

One of a pair of color lithographs after Simonsen - Preussernes Farvel; by Adolf Kittendorff, printed by J.W. Regner & Co.; two Danish infantrymen showing canteens or flasks to Prussians in left background, among whom is one soldier holding large jug over his head. [See also: Soldater i en Forpostfaegtning]. One of a pair of color lithographs after Simonsen - Preussernes Farvel; by Adolf Kittendorff, printed by J.W. Regner & Co.; two Danish infantrymen showing canteens or flasks to Prussians in left background, among whom is one soldier holding large jug over his head. [See also: Soldater i en Forpostfaegtning]. Upright folio; clean; slightly foxed. New York, Rockman Prints, 1948.

Preussen: (portrait of officer)

20th-century photographic copy of carbon or albumen print photograph, from scrapbook album; bust portrait of officer in uniform, with substantial beard, facing left. 20th-century photographic copy of carbon or albumen print photograph, from scrapbook album; bust portrait of officer in uniform, with substantial beard, facing left. Upright, on black paper mat; margins; clean.

Preussen, 1915. Infanterie. Feldenzug

3rd in collection of 5 numbered hand-colored line prints, after Scharf (from Deiss, Deutsches Armee-Archiv); 2 standing uniform figures, in gray uniforms and helmets, holding rifles, wearing heavy packs. 3rd in collection of 5 numbered hand-colored line prints, after Scharf (from Deiss, Deutsches Armee-Archiv); 2 standing uniform figures, in gray uniforms and helmets, holding rifles, wearing heavy packs. Margins intact; clean. Hamburg, Helmut Gerhard Schulz, 1956.

Preussen u. Baden, 1914: Feldanzug. 2.Bad.Grenadier Regt. Kaiser Wilh. I no. 110 und 1. Garde Rgt. z. Fuss.

1st in collection of 5 numbered hand-colored line prints, after Scharf (from Deiss, Deutsches Armee-Archiv); 2 standing uniform figures, in gray uniforms and helmets, holding rifles. 1st in collection of 5 numbered hand-colored line prints, after Scharf (from Deiss, Deutsches Armee-Archiv); 2 standing uniform figures, in gray uniforms and helmets, holding rifles. Margins intact; clean. Hamburg, Helmut Gerhard Schulz, 1956.

Preuss. Jäger. 3. Brandenburg Jäger Bat. (Feldmarschmässig.)

85th in series of 115 colored prints of oil paintings, signed by Legras, of uniform figures from various military units; Prussian rifleman in dark green field uniform, backpack, loading rifle, facing right. 85th in series of 115 colored prints of oil paintings, signed by Legras, of uniform figures from various military units; Prussian rifleman in dark green field uniform, backpack, loading rifle, facing right. Upright folio, unbound, in green portfolii with white label, "Etudes de types militaires"; clean.

Preuss. Garde du Corps

Preuss. Garde du Corps

Brown University

Watercolor signed by Meyer; mounted uniform figure, landscape background. Watercolor signed by Meyer; mounted uniform figure, landscape background. Small upright, mounted on blue paper; margins; clean, corners torn. Title supplied by cataloger. Heidelberg, Helmut Tenner, 1959.

Prêtre polonais

Prêtre polonais

Brown University

1 of 40 original unsigned original watercolors of uniform figures, including Austrian, Hungarian, Russian, German, and one British, some drawn for Costumes Militaires, several by or after Finart; and 2 engraved plates; all mounted in album

Pressburger Banderium

Pressburger Banderium

Brown University

11th of bound manuscript title-page and 25 hand-colored engraved plates of mounted hussar uniform figures (same figure or plate throughout); hussar in light blue uniform, white trim, facing left, on horse with scarlet saddle blanket. 11th of bound manuscript title-page and 25 hand-colored engraved plates of mounted hussar uniform figures (same figure or plate throughout); hussar in light blue uniform, white trim, facing left, on horse with scarlet saddle blanket. Bound in blue leather tooled and stamped gold "Koronázási Banderiumok, 1790"; clean. N.Y., Apfel, 1962. title provided by cataloger

Pressburg. Bürgerlich Scharf-Schützrn-Corps: Aufnahms-Schein. Folio 280

Engraved service certificate issued to Ignatz Schmichens, May 12, 1797; view of Pressburg above, 2 hand-colored uniform figures at lower left and right, seal attached at center bottom, arms of city at center top. Engraved service certificate issued to Ignatz Schmichens, May 12, 1797; view of Pressburg above, 2 hand-colored uniform figures at lower left and right, seal attached at center bottom, arms of city at center top. Oblong folio; plate mark, margins intact; edges worn, clean. Vienna, Christian Nebehay, 1963.

President Wilson to the people of the United States

Facsimile of Wilson's handwritten letter signed: Woodrow Wilson urges citizens to lend their money for the war effort. Facsimile of Wilson's handwritten letter signed: Woodrow Wilson urges citizens to lend their money for the war effort. Printed in black on heavy white paper. At lower left and right corners vignettes of rising sun captioned: To-day buy that liberty bond. Text of letter begins: Again the Government comes to the people of the country with the request that they lend their money. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence.

President Jackson's grand march

arranged for the piano forte by Mr. Peile. For piano. Caption title. "Performed by the Boston Brigade Band and presented by them to the publisher." Imprint from cover. Includes "Quick step, composed by J. Hewitt." Cover illustration: portrait of Andrew Jackson, signed "F.G. no. 2."

President Jackson's grand march

arranged for the piano forte by Mr. Peile. For piano. Caption title. "Performed by the Boston Brigade Band and presented by them to the publisher." Imprint from cover. Includes "Quick step, composed by J. Hewitt." Cover illustration: portrait of Andrew Jackson, signed "F.G. no. 2."

Président de l'administration municipale

One of a suite of 34 (of 35?) hand colored engraved plates by and after Labrousse, St. Sauveur direx., of uniforms, including 16 military and naval uniforms, 1 of Agent Maritime, 17 of diplomatic, judicial, official and legislative dress; lacking plate 6, Agent du Directoire Exécutif dans les Colonies Françaises, which appears in Italian edition but not in French or English editions. Figure in black with red, white and blue sash, standing between table and chair. One of a suite of 34 (of 35?) hand colored engraved plates by and after Labrousse, St. Sauveur direx., of uniforms, including 16 military and naval uniforms, 1 of Agent Maritime, 17 of diplomatic, judicial, official and legislative dress; lacking plate 6, Agent du Directoire Exécutif dans les Colonies Françaises, which appears in Italian edition but not in French or English editions. Figure in black with red, white and blue sash, standing between table and chair. Small, unbound; small stain in right margin; in blue cloth slipcase, maroon leather label stamped gold. Paris, Grangiée sale, 1963.

President and generals of the C.S.A.

Sepia photograph of painting by See; large equestrian group portrait, landscape background. Sepia photograph of painting by See; large equestrian group portrait, landscape background. Large oblong folio, on board mount. Newington, Conn., Hintlian, '55. EGd.

Presenting a Bill of Indemnification, or Alarming items

Hand-colored etched caricature (by and after Heath); Turkish vizier presenting long list of demands to George IV. Hand-colored etched caricature (by and after Heath); Turkish vizier presenting long list of demands to George IV. Oblong medium folio; plate mark, margins. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1968.

Presentation of colours by the Prince of Wales to the 100th, or Royal Canadian, Regiment of Foot

Wood engraved plate with text on verso; small figure of Prince of Wales in center distance presenting colors to officers of massed troops on parade ground, men, women and children watching in foreground and at right. Wood engraved plate with text on verso; small figure of Prince of Wales in center distance presenting colors to officers of massed troops on parade ground, men, women and children watching in foreground and at right. From Illustrated London News, January 22, 1859, page 93. Hanover, N.H., Book & Print Shop, 1956.

Presentation of Colors to General Viele's brigade previous to their departure on the great naval expedition

Wood-engraved illustration from magazine; general receiving colors from governor and aide, outdoors, officers, civilian spectators and women looking on; short text below. Wood-engraved illustration from magazine; general receiving colors from governor and aide, outdoors, officers, civilian spectators and women looking on; short text below. From Harper's Weekly, November 9, 1861, page 712.

Preparing John Bull for general congress

'Plate from the 'Scourge', vi, before p. 87. John Bull, a giant beset by pigmies, sits on a bank with his back against a massive oak, his legs wide apart. He is a 'cit' with his wig awry; his right arm, inscribed 'Ireland', is extended; an Irish peasant, wearing a rosary, stands on it, slashing it with a (notched) headsman's axe inscribed 'Catholic Bill'; blood gushes from a deep gash at the shoulder. The Irishman asks: "Johnny how do you like the Union! how do you like emancipation?!!!" The left arm, inscribed 'Hanover', is already cut off and is carried by two French ragamuffins, one wearing a bonnet rouge, towards Napoleon who is enthroned on a drum under a tent on the extreme right. An oval, inscribed 'Guadaloupe', is being dragged from John's mouth by Bernadotte, who has transfixed it with a hook tied to a rope at which he is tugging. He is a grotesque figure in uniform holding a dagger dripping blood in his left hand; he says: "Give me this Cake John— it is too large for your Swallow & by your leave I will take a little Blood from you to prevent your dying of Plethora." A demon with one claw-like foot dug into John's thigh, holds a 'Sweedish Tap Tub' to catch guineas which spout from an incision in the victim's waistcoat. He is a grotesque emaciated creature, with a spiny backbone, and says, grinning horribly, "Poor John Bull ha! ha ha!" John's right leg, inscribed 'West Indies', is being peppered by an American gun-boat. His left leg is inscribed 'East Indies' and two opposed parties of tiny men are tugging at it: on the left two men tug at a bandage above the ankle inscribed 'Free Trade'; they are lean and ragged; one, who holds his companion round the waist, says: "A long pull & a Strong pull & a pull Alltogather." The other three (right) tug at a ligature round the knee inscribed 'Monopoly', they are fat 'cits', one with gouty feet. The last man, holding the latter's coat-tails, says, "Here we go Johnny two to one we win the day." John, much distressed, says: "Have mercy on me & do not send me thus maimed to congress I can hardly distinguish Friend from Foe in the severity of my sufferings." On the extreme left is the sea; a half-decked vessel with a cannon in the bows flies a pennant inscribed 'President'. An American naval officer applies a match and flame from the muzzle strikes John's right leg, the W. Indies, at close range. He says: "D—n that Bull Dog the Shannon he has gored the Cheesapeak. if the English Ministers will but keep him out of our way we'll pepper this leg." The bull-dog, inscribed 'British Navy', is savagely leaping from beside John Bull towards the vessel; he wears a spiked collar but is closely muzzled and barks: "Take off my Muzzle! let me get at him. Bow woo woo." Behind the mast which supports a small patched sail, a ragged American wearing a bonnet rouge on his straggly hair, stands dejectedly in profile to the right with flexed knees, fingers together. A third man, much alarmed, probably Madison, holds the tiller. The stars and stripes flag is tattered. Clouds surround the vessel. Napoleon, aggressive but alarmed, sits under an open tent on the extreme right, watching the approach of 'Hanover'. He wears a large feathered bicorne and heavy jack-boots, his right leg is supported on a terrestrial globe which serves as footstool and which he gashes with his spur; his left hand rests on his sabre, his right is on his hip. Behind him (left) stands a terrified Mameluke (Roustan) holding a tall pike. On his left are a cannon and a pyramid of cannon-balls. He says: "When you have finished your labors Gentlemen bring him [John Bull] to me & I will prepare his Epitaph." In the foreground, in front of the mound on which Napoleon's tent is placed, are two figures. A naked infant, smiling, holds on his shoulders a large sack from which coins drop; it is inscribed: 'For the Brave Wellington Johnny's Free gift in aid of successful Valor & a Glorious Cause £1000'. On the extreme right a plump demon, whose naked body resembles a sack, runs off to the right (it evidently derives from No. 6991 by Gillray). Round its neck is a label: 'Sicilian Subsidy 10000£'; coins drop from a rent.' -- British Museum 'Plate from the 'Scourge', vi, before p. 87. John Bull, a giant beset by pigmies, sits on a bank with his back against a massive oak, his legs wide apart. He is a 'cit' with his wig awry; his right arm, inscribed 'Ireland', is extended; an Irish peasant, wearing a rosary, stands on it, slashing it with a (notched) headsman's axe inscribed 'Catholic Bill'; blood gushes from a deep gash at the shoulder. The Irishman asks: "Johnny how do you like the Union! how do you like emancipation?!!!" The left arm, inscribed 'Hanover', is already cut off and is carried by two French ragamuffins, one wearing a bonnet rouge, towards Napoleon who is enthroned on a drum under a tent on the extreme right. An oval, inscribed 'Guadaloupe', is being dragged from John's mouth by Bernadotte, who has transfixed it with a hook tied to a rope at which he is tugging. He is a grotesque figure in uniform holding a dagger dripping blood in his left hand; he says: "Give me this Cake John— it is too large for your Swallow & by your leave I will take a little Blood from you to prevent your dying of Plethora." A demon with one claw-like foot dug into John's thigh, holds a 'Sweedish Tap Tub' to catch guineas which spout from an incision in the victim's waistcoat. He is a grotesque emaciated creature, with a spiny backbone, and says, grinning horribly, "Poor John Bull ha! ha ha!" John's right leg, inscribed 'West Indies', is being peppered by an American gun-boat. His left leg is inscribed 'East Indies' and two opposed parties of tiny men are tugging at it: on the left two men tug at a bandage above the ankle inscribed 'Free Trade'; they are lean and ragged; one, who holds his companion round the waist, says: "A long pull & a Strong pull & a pull Alltogather." The other three (right) tug at a ligature round the knee inscribed 'Monopoly', they are fat 'cits', one with gouty feet. The last man, holding the latter's coat-tails, says, "Here we go Johnny two to one we win the day." John, much distressed, says: "Have mercy on me & do not send me thus maimed to congress I can hardly distinguish Friend from Foe in the severity of my sufferings." On the extreme left is the sea; a half-decked vessel with a cannon in the bows flies a pennant inscribed 'President'. An American naval officer applies a match and flame from the muzzle strikes John's right leg, the W. Indies, at close range. He says: "D—n that Bull Dog the Shannon he has gored the Cheesapeak. if the English Ministers will but keep him out of our way we'll pepper this leg." The bull-dog, inscribed 'British Navy', is savagely leaping from beside John Bull towards the vessel; he wears a spiked collar but is closely muzzled and barks: "Take off my Muzzle! let me get at him. Bow woo woo." Behind the mast which supports a small patched sail, a ragged American wearing a bonnet rouge on his straggly hair, stands dejectedly in profile to the right with flexed knees, fingers together. A third man, much alarmed, probably Madison, holds the tiller. The stars and stripes flag is tattered. Clouds surround the vessel. Napoleon, aggressive but alarmed, sits under an open tent on the extreme right, watching the approach of 'Hanover'. He wears a large feathered bicorne and heavy jack-boots, his right leg is supported on a terrestrial globe which serves as footstool and which he gashes with his spur; his left hand rests on his sabre, his right is on his hip. Behind him (left) stands a terrified Mameluke (Roustan) holding a tall pike. On his left are a cannon and a pyramid of cannon-balls. He says: "When you have finished your labors Gentlemen bring him [John Bull] to me & I will prepare his Epitaph." In the foreground, in front of the mound on which Napoleon's tent is placed, are two figures. A naked infant, smiling, holds on his shoulders a large sack from which coins drop; it is inscribed: 'For the Brave Wellington Johnny's Free gift in aid of successful Valor & a Glorious Cause £1000'. On the extreme right a plump demon, whose naked body resembles a sack, runs off to the right (it evidently derives from No. 6991 by Gillray). Round its neck is a label: 'Sicilian Subsidy 10000£'; coins drop from a rent.' -- British Museum A satire on the state of affairs in Britain resulting from he Napoleonic and American wars. Southampton, MA, Boston Rare Maps, 2017.

Preparing for a duel

Preparing for a duel

Brown University

In the center of the image, a British soldier mediates a duel between a dandy (l.) and a laborer (perhaps a grave digger) (r.). The soldier wears a uniform topped by a scruffy bicorne hat. He has four pistols in his belt, a musket strapped to his back, and a sword in a scabbard at his waist. The dandy wears elegant shoes and a black top hat, and he holds a small pistol limply in his left hand. His companion, a similarly dramatic and foppish figure, kneels on the ground. He has removed his hat and folded his hands in prayer, presumably for the safety of his friend. The laborer is unarmed, and it appears that the heavily armed soldier will not come to his aid. The laborer is dressed in shabby clothing and wears heavy rustic boots; his hat sits tipped back on his head. In his left hand he holds a shovel, in his right he clutches the neck of a sack slung over his back. As indicated by the inscription, the sack contains "Razor Blades and Bullets." A large pickax lies at his feet. Two figures stand behind and to the side of the laborer and regard each other patiently. The figure that faces the viewer is dressed in black and wears a hat draped in black crepe; presumably he is an undertaker. The other figure stands in profile at the border of the image. He wears a long coat and holds a hammer; he is perhaps a coffin maker. In general, the content of this sheet is not Napoleonic. In fact, it's meaning is largely open for conjecture. It seems probable that the laborer--by conscription into the army or by duel--will die, thereby providing employment for the funeral business. In the center of the image, a British soldier mediates a duel between a dandy (l.) and a laborer (perhaps a grave digger) (r.). The soldier wears a uniform topped by a scruffy bicorne hat. He has four pistols in his belt, a musket strapped to his back, and a sword in a scabbard at his waist. The dandy wears elegant shoes and a black top hat, and he holds a small pistol limply in his left hand. His companion, a similarly dramatic and foppish figure, kneels on the ground. He has removed his hat and folded his hands in prayer, presumably for the safety of his friend. The laborer is unarmed, and it appears that the heavily armed soldier will not come to his aid. The laborer is dressed in shabby clothing and wears heavy rustic boots; his hat sits tipped back on his head. In his left hand he holds a shovel, in his right he clutches the neck of a sack slung over his back. As indicated by the inscription, the sack contains "Razor Blades and Bullets." A large pickax lies at his feet. Two figures stand behind and to the side of the laborer and regard each other patiently. The figure that faces the viewer is dressed in black and wears a hat draped in black crepe; presumably he is an undertaker. The other figure stands in profile at the border of the image. He wears a long coat and holds a hammer; he is perhaps a coffin maker. In general, the content of this sheet is not Napoleonic. In fact, it's meaning is largely open for conjecture. It seems probable that the laborer--by conscription into the army or by duel--will die, thereby providing employment for the funeral business. Inscription: Pubd. Jany 12th 1795 by S. W. Fores No. 3 Piccadilly. Printed Signature: G. M. Woodward Invt. Printed Signature: T. Rowlandson Sct. Annotation: 42 [?] Stamp(s): S.W.F.

Prepared for inspection

Prepared for inspection

Brown University

Ink sketch of cot with duffel bags and shoes neatly placed on top, waiting for inspection. Ink sketch of cot with duffel bags and shoes neatly placed on top, waiting for inspection. Oblong, margins, yellowed.

Preparations for the Spring Campaign !

Hand-colored engraved caricature plate after Woodward, published April 20, 1800; 2 rows of comic civilians and military figures, showing uniforms, including woman pleading with husband not to go, and woman going through trunk for red coat. Hand-colored engraved caricature plate after Woodward, published April 20, 1800; 2 rows of comic civilians and military figures, showing uniforms, including woman pleading with husband not to go, and woman going through trunk for red coat. Oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed close; clean. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1951.

Preparations for the Spring Campaign

Original watercolor signed by Woodward (preparatory sketch for engraving with same title); 2 rows of comic civilians and military figures, showing uniforms, including woman appealing to soldier not to go, and woman going through trunk with husband. Original watercolor signed by Woodward (preparatory sketch for engraving with same title); 2 rows of comic civilians and military figures, showing uniforms, including woman appealing to soldier not to go, and woman going through trunk with husband. Oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; soiled, worn. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1951.

Prendel, Russisch Kaiserlich Obrist und Commandant zu Leipzig

Hand-colored line- and stipple-engraved oval bust portrait in uniform; standard and trophies below. Hand-colored line- and stipple-engraved oval bust portrait in uniform; standard and trophies below. Upright, matted; plate mark, margins trimmed close; soiled. New York, Walter Schatzki, 1952.

Premières armes de Mgr. le Duc de Bordeaux

Colored lithograph by and after Canu; infant duke in bearskin reviewing grenadiers, three women and little girl on left watching. Colored lithograph by and after Canu; infant duke in bearskin reviewing grenadiers, three women and little girl on left watching. Small oblong folio, matted; margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1952.

Premiere Ataque et Prise de la Bastille: Le 14 Juillet 1789 Le sieur Hulin en courant de tout part. rencontre un déta...
Premier Voeu de l'Innocence. Français soyons unis. S.A.R. Mgr. le Duc de Bordeaux, Colonel Général des Lanciers.

Colored stipple-engraving by and after Canu; Duc de Bordeaux, in miniature lancer uniform, in attitude of prayer, outdoor background. Colored stipple-engraving by and after Canu; Duc de Bordeaux, in miniature lancer uniform, in attitude of prayer, outdoor background. Upright, matted; margins; slightly soiled. title: Premier voeu de l'Innocence. Français soyons unis. S.A.R. Mgr. le Duc de Bordeaux, Colonel général des Lanciers. caption: A Paris chez l'Auteur Rue St. Jacques No 29 caption: Deposé