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

Portrait of a Marine Lt. who is up there with his men ready to fight to the death, if necessary -- along with them; a...

Head and shoulders portrait in profile of a tired Marine. Another Marine is seen in the background. Head and shoulders portrait in profile of a tired Marine. Another Marine is seen in the background. Title from typed label affixed to verso. Censor's stamp. Reeks joined the USMC in 1941 and saw action on Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Bougainville and Saipan. He was the only official combat artist to land on Iwo Jima with the invasion force and spent thirty days on the island sketching the campaign.

Portrait of a Marine

Portrait of a Marine

Brown University

A half-length portrait of a bare-chested Marine, smiling and with a cigarette between his lips. He appears to be sitting in his quarters. A half-length portrait of a bare-chested Marine, smiling and with a cigarette between his lips. He appears to be sitting in his quarters.

Portrait of a Marine

Portrait of a Marine

Brown University

A half-length portrait of a bare-chested Marine, head lifted and eyes looking off to the left, with a serious expression on his face. A half-length portrait of a bare-chested Marine, head lifted and eyes looking off to the left, with a serious expression on his face.

Portrait of a Chelsea pensioner, 1834

Heavily hand-colored lithograph or engraving, published Decr. 1st, 1834; seated figure in pensioner uniform, right hand resting on walking stick, table with pipe and jug at right. Heavily hand-colored lithograph or engraving, published Decr. 1st, 1834; seated figure in pensioner uniform, right hand resting on walking stick, table with pipe and jug at right. Square, matted; margins entirely trimmed away; clean. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1956. Title provided by cataloger.

Portrait of a black man

Portrait of a black man

Brown University

'Mezzotint engraving representing a man of colour, half-length, holding in his right hand a jug frothing over label "Fine Ale"; in the other hand is a sheet of paper displaying the following: "30, Rue St. Honoré, Drake's Hotel. Table d'hôte, Roast beef of old England, London, Porter'. On the wall immediately behind the man's head hang two pictures. One represents a racehorse, with jockey mounted; above the picture, "Calembourg," and below, "Property of Mr. J. Drake." The other picture has over it the words "Albuera, 7th Fusiliers Advance." The picture itself represents a regiment of soldiers charging with fixed bayonets; in the foreground a white horse is prancing, held by a groom'. -- Notes and Queries, June 30, 1900, page 516. Mounted in W. Wheater, Historical Record of the Seventh or Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Leeds, 1875), formerly owned by Samuel M. Milne, who submitted the query. A reply noted that the regiment had black drummers and that perhaps this man was a veteran who had opened a hotel in Pars. 'Mezzotint engraving representing a man of colour, half-length, holding in his right hand a jug frothing over label "Fine Ale"; in the other hand is a sheet of paper displaying the following: "30, Rue St. Honoré, Drake's Hotel. Table d'hôte, Roast beef of old England, London, Porter'. On the wall immediately behind the man's head hang two pictures. One represents a racehorse, with jockey mounted; above the picture, "Calembourg," and below, "Property of Mr. J. Drake." The other picture has over it the words "Albuera, 7th Fusiliers Advance." The picture itself represents a regiment of soldiers charging with fixed bayonets; in the foreground a white horse is prancing, held by a groom'. -- Notes and Queries, June 30, 1900, page 516. Mounted in W. Wheater, Historical Record of the Seventh or Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Leeds, 1875), formerly owned by Samuel M. Milne, who submitted the query. A reply noted that the regiment had black drummers and that perhaps this man was a veteran who had opened a hotel in Pars. Pencil note written in book below image (by Milne); 'Portrait of a coloured person who evidently had been connected with the 7th Fusiliers possibly as servant to an officer (perhaps Sir William Myers) who was killed at Albuera' Small folio. London, Francis Edwards, 1955 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/)

Portrait of "Shute-Sowar" or Camel trooper, taken at Mooltan

One of a collection of 4 watercolors signed by L.E.G. of uniform figures and groups. Figure in red on camel facing right. One of a collection of 4 watercolors signed by L.E.G. of uniform figures and groups. Figure in red on camel facing right. Small upright folio, matted; margins intact; clean, in folio slipcase of red cloth, green leather label stamped gold. London, Parker Gallery, 1955.

Portrait de Henriot, Lieutenant au Train d'Artillerie de la Garde imple.

Original gouache on panel inscribed 'A. Hardten à Henriot', title inscribed on verso; full-length portrait in uniform, right hand resting on table with manuscripts, ink pots and weight, left hand on grounded sword, drapery behind, landscape in left distance. Formerly in the Bernard Franck collection Original gouache on panel inscribed 'A. Hardten à Henriot', title inscribed on verso; full-length portrait in uniform, right hand resting on table with manuscripts, ink pots and weight, left hand on grounded sword, drapery behind, landscape in left distance. Formerly in the Bernard Franck collection Brussels, Delacre sale, 1961 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/)

Portrait d'apres Nature du Sr. Harné Natif de Dõle en Franche Comté Grenadier aux Gardes Francaises qui à Monté le Pr...

Hand-colored etching; 2 standing figures of soldier shaking hands with and presenting branch of foliage to civilian armed with sword and pistols. Hand-colored etching; 2 standing figures of soldier shaking hands with and presenting branch of foliage to civilian armed with sword and pistols. Small upright folio; margins severely trimmed; soiled. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1959. Title: Portrait d'apres Nature du Sr. Harné Natif de Dõle en Franche Comté Grenadier aux Gardes Francaises qui à Monté le Premier à l'assaut et à arreté le Gouverneur de la Bastille le mardi 14 Juillet 1789. Portrait d'apres Nature du Sr. Humbert Horloger, Natif de Langres qui à Monté le Deuxieme à l'assaut à la prise de la Bastille le mardi 14 Juillet 1789. Caption: A Paris chez Basset Md. d'Estampes et Fabricant de Papiers peint rue St. Jacques au coin de celle des Mathurins.

Portrait d'Adolphe de Vignacourt, Grand Maître de Malthe. : Tableau de Michel-Ange Merigi, dit le Caravage, qui est d...

Copper-engraving by de Larmessin after Caravaggio, numbered 92; full-length portrait in armor, holding baton, boy at left carrying helmet. Copper-engraving by de Larmessin after Caravaggio, numbered 92; full-length portrait in armor, holding baton, boy at left carrying helmet. Upright folio, matted; margins trimmed; clean. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951.

Portrait & uniform of an American General; A real representation of the dress of an American Rifle-man

Hand-colored engraving by Roberts; 2 uniform figures of general and rifleman, surrounded by ornamental border; text reads. [See also: A real American Rifle Man] Hand-colored engraving by Roberts; 2 uniform figures of general and rifleman, surrounded by ornamental border; text reads. [See also: A real American Rifle Man] Engraved for Barnard's new complete & authentic History of England. New York, Harry H. Hymes, 1942.

Portrait - Camp Howze 1943

Pencil sketch portrait of soldier signed and dated by Day. Pencil sketch portrait of soldier signed and dated by Day. Upright folio; slighty soiled. Title supplied by cataloger.

Portraict veritable du General Bassa des trouppes Moresques, presentement avec l'Armée du grand Seigneur

Hand-colored engraving; bust profile portrait in elaborately trimmed turban, striped blouse and fur neckpiece, in enframement with illustration of ship below. Depicts the Moorish Amir, General Bassa who was one of the greatest generals under Ismail Ibn Sharif and Moulay Rashid. Hand-colored engraving; bust profile portrait in elaborately trimmed turban, striped blouse and fur neckpiece, in enframement with illustration of ship below. Depicts the Moorish Amir, General Bassa who was one of the greatest generals under Ismail Ibn Sharif and Moulay Rashid. Upright, matted; plate mark, margins trimmed; yellowed. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1948.

Portraict de l'armée de d'Empereur Turc rangée en bataille: La perfection ne pouvait pas être enterrée sous les cendr...

Engraving (after wood-engraving by Christoph Stimmer or Antoine Lafréry?); panoramic bird's-eye view of vast army formation besieging city, with tent encampments on perimeter of formation. Reproduced in 'Histoire générale des Turcs contenant l'histoire de Chalcondyle' (Paris, Courbe, 1662). [See also: Ordine con il quale l'esercito Turchesco suole presentarsi in campagna contro de Christiani o Persiani.] Engraving (after wood-engraving by Christoph Stimmer or Antoine Lafréry?); panoramic bird's-eye view of vast army formation besieging city, with tent encampments on perimeter of formation. Reproduced in 'Histoire générale des Turcs contenant l'histoire de Chalcondyle' (Paris, Courbe, 1662). [See also: Ordine con il quale l'esercito Turchesco suole presentarsi in campagna contro de Christiani o Persiani.] Large upright, matted; margins severely trimmed; clean, edges worn. From Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1954.

Portland, England, July 1944

Original pen and ink sketch, signed and dated by Stevenson, of a cargo ship unloading military vehicles in Portland, England. Original pen and ink sketch, signed and dated by Stevenson, of a cargo ship unloading military vehicles in Portland, England. Stevenson enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July 1941. He was one of the original soldier-artists at Fort Belvoir, VA. before accepting a position as a war artist in May 1943. In 1944 he was in southern England covering the preparations for the Normandy invasion and later depicted war damage in France and Germany. Gift of the artist, 1994.

Portland, England, engineer equipment waiting to be loaded in to LCTS

Original watercolor with pen and ink, signed and dated by Stevenson, of a variety of engineer equipment waiting to be loaded onto LCTS ships. Two blimps flying overhead. Original watercolor with pen and ink, signed and dated by Stevenson, of a variety of engineer equipment waiting to be loaded onto LCTS ships. Two blimps flying overhead. Stevenson enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July 1941. He was one of the original soldier-artists at Fort Belvoir, VA. before accepting a position as a war artist in May 1943. In 1944 he was in southern England covering the preparations for the Normandy invasion and later depicted war damage in France and Germany. Gift of the artist 1994.

Portland, England inside of LST, August 1944

Original pen and ink and wash sketch, signed and dated by Stevenson, of military equipment inside of a transport ship. Original pen and ink and wash sketch, signed and dated by Stevenson, of military equipment inside of a transport ship. Stevenson enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July 1941. He was one of the original soldier-artists at Fort Belvoir, VA. before accepting a position as a war artist in May 1943. In 1944 he was in southern England covering the preparations for the Normandy invasion and later depicted war damage in France and Germany. Gift of the artist, 1994.

Portland England August 1944: Area where LCT's and LST's loaded for invasion, and supplying troops and equipment

Original pen and ink sketch, dated by Stevenson, of the area near Portland, England where planes loaded for the invasion of Europe; view of coastal village with distant barrage balloons. Original pen and ink sketch, dated by Stevenson, of the area near Portland, England where planes loaded for the invasion of Europe; view of coastal village with distant barrage balloons. Stevenson enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July 1941. He was one of the original soldier-artists at Fort Belvoir, VA. before accepting a position as a war artist in May 1943. In 1944 he was in southern England covering the preparations for the Normandy invasion and later depicted war damage in France and Germany. Gift of the artist 1994.

Porte-Fanion, Infanterie de la Marine, 1878

Original oil painting on wood panel; standing figure of French marine in uniform, holding rifle and small red flag, facing right. Original oil painting on wood panel; standing figure of French marine in uniform, holding rifle and small red flag, facing right. In wooden frame. Inscribed (lower left): 'A de Neuville 78'. San Francisco, John Howell, 1966. title provided by cataloger

Porte Enseigne servant de frontispice

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 on ship holding French flag. 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 on ship holding French flag. Small, unbound; yellowed, corners bent; in blue cloth slipcase, maroon leather label stamped gold. Paris, Grangié sale, 1963.

Porte drapeau

Porte drapeau

Brown University

13th in series of 115 colored prints of oil paintings, signed by Legras, of uniform figures from French military units; color-bearer in dark green jacket, red trousers and kepi, standing with regimental flag, looking toward right. 13th in series of 115 colored prints of oil paintings, signed by Legras, of uniform figures from French military units; color-bearer in dark green jacket, red trousers and kepi, standing with regimental flag, looking toward right. Upright folio, unbound, in green portfolio with white label, "Etudes de types militaires"; clean.

Portabandiera, 1849

Portabandiera, 1849

Brown University

One of collection of 55 watercolor drawings by Piroli from contemporary documents of uniform figures and groups 1841-1860. A soldier in uniform and with sword, carrying a flag and standing. One of collection of 55 watercolor drawings by Piroli from contemporary documents of uniform figures and groups 1841-1860. A soldier in uniform and with sword, carrying a flag and standing. Folio; mounted in album of 3/4 parchment tooled gold and brown marble boards, no title; clean. Camden, Me., Staack, 1951.

Portabandiera Granattieri 10 e 20 - 1842

One of collection of 55 watercolor drawings by Piroli from contemporary documents of uniform figures and groups 1841-1860. Two soldiers in uniform carrying flags, standing One of collection of 55 watercolor drawings by Piroli from contemporary documents of uniform figures and groups 1841-1860. Two soldiers in uniform carrying flags, standing Folio; mounted in album of 3/4 parchment tooled gold and brown marble boards, no title; clean. Camden, Me., Staack, 1951

Porta Pia at Viminalis

Porta Pia at Viminalis

Brown University

Engraving, numbered 4, by and after Vasi; troops forming in foreground to march through gate in city wall in background, cannon, mortar and tents in right foreground. [See also: Holy Gate formerly Viminalis.] Engraving, numbered 4, by and after Vasi; troops forming in foreground to march through gate in city wall in background, cannon, mortar and tents in right foreground. [See also: Holy Gate formerly Viminalis.] Small oblong folio, matted; plate mark, margins; clean. New York, Rockman Prints, 1951.

Port-Aigle du 75e de Ligne

One of a pair of original watercolors signed and dated by François Jean, Cap. aux Voltigeurs; the port-aigle having smaller figures in the background. [See also: Officier de Grenadiers de la garde impériale]. One of a pair of original watercolors signed and dated by François Jean, Cap. aux Voltigeurs; the port-aigle having smaller figures in the background. [See also: Officier de Grenadiers de la garde impériale]. Upright; margins intact; stained. Title supplied by cataloger Paris, Grangié sale, 1968.

Port repair ship Junior Van Noy: Le Havre, France. Jan. 1945

Original acrylic painting, signed and dated by Stevenson; large ship with derricks, anti-aircraft guns on bow; barge with crane floating in front; snow on shoreline in foreground. Original acrylic painting, signed and dated by Stevenson; large ship with derricks, anti-aircraft guns on bow; barge with crane floating in front; snow on shoreline in foreground. Stevenson enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July 1941. He was one of the original soldier-artists at Fort Belvoir, VA. before accepting a position as a war artist in May 1943. In 1944 he was in southern England covering the preparations for the Normandy invasion and later depicted war damage in France and Germany. Gift of the artist 1994.

Port construction and repair: Le Havre, France. Jan. 1945

Original ink and watercolor sketch, signed and dated by Stevenson; group of 3 DUKWs on rain soaked harbor roadway, ships and cranes in distance; detailed artist's report (for Intelligence Division) on verso. Original ink and watercolor sketch, signed and dated by Stevenson; group of 3 DUKWs on rain soaked harbor roadway, ships and cranes in distance; detailed artist's report (for Intelligence Division) on verso. Stevenson enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July 1941. He was one of the original soldier-artists at Fort Belvoir, VA. before accepting a position as a war artist in May 1943. In 1944 he was in southern England covering the preparations for the Normandy invasion and later depicted war damage in France and Germany. Gift of the artist 1994.

Port construction and repair, Le Havre, France

Original watercolor signed and dated by Stevenson; large blocks of broken and twisted (bombed?) pier, covered in ice and snow; water in background. Typewritten note on verso : "Damage to the E. Boat pens. A huge concrete section on Mole Central remains balanced amid twisted steel, and partially covered by snow and ice." Original watercolor signed and dated by Stevenson; large blocks of broken and twisted (bombed?) pier, covered in ice and snow; water in background. Typewritten note on verso : "Damage to the E. Boat pens. A huge concrete section on Mole Central remains balanced amid twisted steel, and partially covered by snow and ice." Stevenson enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July 1941. He was one of the original soldier-artists at Fort Belvoir, VA. before accepting a position as a war artist in May 1943. In 1944 he was in southern England covering the preparations for the Normandy invasion and later depicted war damage in France and Germany. Gift of the artist 1994.

Pope Field, Fort Bragg

Pope Field, Fort Bragg

Brown University

1 drawing in sketchbook; airman in foreground, airplane and hanger in background 1 drawing in sketchbook; airman in foreground, airplane and hanger in background Murphy joined the New York 7th Regiment in 1940 and trained at Camp Stewart, Georgia. He sailed to Australia in 1943 and served on General MacArthur's staff. Later he went to New Guinea and the Philippines before moving on to Japan following the surrender. Small folio. Gift of the artist, 1994 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/)

Pope carried through St. Peter's on portable throne

4th in suite of 4 ink and watercolor drawings by Pelleri; Pope in procession through St. Peter's, carried on portable throne. 4th in suite of 4 ink and watercolor drawings by Pelleri; Pope in procession through St. Peter's, carried on portable throne. Giant oblong folio, mounted on gray board, matted; margins; clean, brilliant; from Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection. N.Y., H.P. Kraus, 1952. title provided by cataloger