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

Pommersche Grenadier: 1. Bat.

11th in collection of 53 hand-colored unsigned engraved plates of uniforms; officer reading note, grenadier leaning on grounded rifle; both in navy blue jackets, gray trousers, shakos. 11th in collection of 53 hand-colored unsigned engraved plates of uniforms; officer reading note, grenadier leaning on grounded rifle; both in navy blue jackets, gray trousers, shakos. Small folio, unbound; edges of plates soiled; in blue cloth slipcase, red leather label stamped gold. Hamburg, Ernst August auction, 1971.

Półkownik od Regimentu lietky Jazdy Pelskiey Gwardyi Cesarsko Francuskiey

2nd of 4 hand-colored engravings (including 2 variants) by and after Frey; mounted uniform figure in ordinary full dress of dark blue, sword upraised, on black horse, outdoors. 2nd of 4 hand-colored engravings (including 2 variants) by and after Frey; mounted uniform figure in ordinary full dress of dark blue, sword upraised, on black horse, outdoors. Upright folio, matted; margins entirely trimmed away; clean. Hamburg, Helmut Gerhard Schulz, 1952.

Półkownik od Regimentu lietky Jazdy Pelskiey Gwardyi Cesarsko Francuskiey

1st of 4 hand-colored engravings (including 2 variants) by and after Frey; mounted uniform figure in special full dress, sword upraised, white and crimson uniform. 1st of 4 hand-colored engravings (including 2 variants) by and after Frey; mounted uniform figure in special full dress, sword upraised, white and crimson uniform. Upright folio, matted; margins entirely trimmed away; clean. Hamburg, Helmut Gerhard Schulz, 1952.

Polytechnicien, 1836

Polytechnicien, 1836

Brown University

Original unfinished pencil and watercolor drawing (by Krüger) dated 17/1/36 by artist; standing uniform figure, left hand on hip. Original unfinished pencil and watercolor drawing (by Krüger) dated 17/1/36 by artist; standing uniform figure, left hand on hip. Small upright folio, matted; margins; stained, slightly worn. Title supplied by cataloger. Hamburg, Helmut Gerhard Schulz, 1957.

Polonaise militaire á la Skrzynecki pour la pianoforte

composée et dedièe à Mille. Mathilde d'Axamitowska par J. Kiszwalter. For piano. Color lithographic cover illustration showing four mounted officers (including '1. Skrznecki'; '2. Chlopicki'), other mounted figures in background, entitled "Scene de la Bataille de Grochow le 26 Feb. 1831"

Polnisches Militair, (1831). Infanterie

1st of 2 hand-colored engravings (from series); front and rear-view standing uniform figures of infantry, outdoors. 1st of 2 hand-colored engravings (from series); front and rear-view standing uniform figures of infantry, outdoors. Upright; plate mark, margins severely trimmed, titles mounted on back; clean. Paris, Cart, 1951.

Polnisches Militair (1831). Uhlahnen

Third of a group of 5 hand-colored engraved plates of uniform groups Third of a group of 5 hand-colored engraved plates of uniform groups

Polnischer Sensenträger (1831)

Fifth of a group of 5 hand-colored engraved plates of uniform groups Fifth of a group of 5 hand-colored engraved plates of uniform groups

Polnischer National Gesang

One of a collection of 2 color engravings and 1 color lithograph song sheets, each with illustrations of sensenträger in military costume and heroic pose. [See also: Polens Freiheitskampf (and) Kossynier]. One of a collection of 2 color engravings and 1 color lithograph song sheets, each with illustrations of sensenträger in military costume and heroic pose. [See also: Polens Freiheitskampf (and) Kossynier]. Upright; margins trimmed; yellowed. Paris, Delacre sale, 1961.

Polnische Ahlenen

Polnische Ahlenen

Brown University

One of a collection of 26 somewhat crude unsigned original watercolor drawings by von Röder of uniforms of Count Wallmoden's corps during their passage through Mecklenburg, showing Prussian, English, Swedish, Russian, Bremen und Verden, Hamburg, Lübeck, King's German Legion, Russian-German Legion and Mecklenburg uniforms. Man in blue and gray holding a sword behind his back with his left hand. One of a collection of 26 somewhat crude unsigned original watercolor drawings by von Röder of uniforms of Count Wallmoden's corps during their passage through Mecklenburg, showing Prussian, English, Swedish, Russian, Bremen und Verden, Hamburg, Lübeck, King's German Legion, Russian-German Legion and Mecklenburg uniforms. Man in blue and gray holding a sword behind his back with his left hand. Upright medium folio, unbound, foxed, in maroon cloth slipcase, maroon leather label stamped gold: Allied Troops 1813-1815. Hamburg, Schulz, 1962.

Polnisch Oestreichisches Gefecht: No. 4 B.

Uncolored engraving; cavalry combat among lancers and dragoons. Uncolored engraving; cavalry combat among lancers and dragoons. Small oblong folio, matted; margins; worn.

Politischer Kommissar der Infanterie, 1921

44th in collection of 50 original watercolors, signed by Knötel; standing uniform figure of Soviet political commissar, in brown jacket with red trim, holding sword, walking toward left, looking right. 44th in collection of 50 original watercolors, signed by Knötel; standing uniform figure of Soviet political commissar, in brown jacket with red trim, holding sword, walking toward left, looking right. Small, unbound; in green cloth slipcase, red leather label stamped gold; clean. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951.

Political quadrille - the game up, plate 2d.

This satire depicts a card game played between the ruling heads and politicians of Europe. The outcome of the game will ultimately determine the future of Europe. Napoleon (center) has been caught cheating and the table has arisen in uproar. The table he is playing on has been overturned and his neighboring players jump at the chance to catch him out and defeat him. Sheet has been torn diagonally from left to lower right and has been repaired. Colors are damaged along this tear. This satire depicts a card game played between the ruling heads and politicians of Europe. The outcome of the game will ultimately determine the future of Europe. Napoleon (center) has been caught cheating and the table has arisen in uproar. The table he is playing on has been overturned and his neighboring players jump at the chance to catch him out and defeat him. Sheet has been torn diagonally from left to lower right and has been repaired. Colors are damaged along this tear. Dialogue: George III: "What! What, a dust eh? So much the better - Boney got the worst of the game, I must lend a hand." Russia: "Now is the time to rub off the rust of Tilsit." Prussia: "If I don't take advantage of the present opportunity I shall indeed be a Prussian cake." Napoleon: "Dont be so boisterous I only borrow'd him, merely to make up the pack." Spain: "I tell you you are a scoundrel, and if you do not restore my king whom you have stolen from the other table and reinstate Ponto, by the honor of a Spanish patriot I will strangle you." Austria: "Ah! Ah, the game has taken a different turn from what I expected, I must not be idle." Holland: "Donder and Blixens I be quite tired of de game. Yaw, yaw, now is de time for me to rise." Inscription: Pubd, August 1808 by Walker No. 7 Cornhill

Political chess players, or Boney bewilder'd__John Bull supporting the table

A game of chess is spread over a terrestrial globe and covers Continental Europe. John Bull cheerfully bends forward to support the globe on his ample back. He seems not to mind the coins and paper money that spill from his pockets, and reasserts his promise not to flinch. Napoleon has climbed up on a ladder that is splitting from the bottom rungs. Although he is quite literally on top of the world, Napoleon's power is clearly slipping through his fingers. His crown is falling from his head and a medal on his chest, inscribed "Honor Lost," counterbalances the Legion of Honor medal next to it. The chess board itself also indicates his decline. Napoleon has lost the majority of his pieces and is in danger of losing his King, here labeled "Paris." Bernadotte and Alexander I actively engage in the play on the board. The Czar gazes at Napoleon as he moves a knight. Napoleon does not return his look; instead, he tears his hair in contemplation of his next move. Standing to the right of Bull, Wellington watches Napoleon's reaction to Alexander's move. He stands at the ready in an elegant pose with his hands on the hilt of his unsheathed sword. Of all the figures represented, Wellington is clearly the most heroic. He is rendered in full length profile and wears a highly decorated uniform on which the star of the order of St. George is displayed. Other European leaders cluster around the chess game and offer comments of support and advice. Francis I stands on the left of the satire and wears a tall fur hat with a skull and cross bones and a uniform decorated with the Hapsburg eagle. On the far right of the sheet, Ferdinand VII of Spain rushes onto the scene. A game of chess is spread over a terrestrial globe and covers Continental Europe. John Bull cheerfully bends forward to support the globe on his ample back. He seems not to mind the coins and paper money that spill from his pockets, and reasserts his promise not to flinch. Napoleon has climbed up on a ladder that is splitting from the bottom rungs. Although he is quite literally on top of the world, Napoleon's power is clearly slipping through his fingers. His crown is falling from his head and a medal on his chest, inscribed "Honor Lost," counterbalances the Legion of Honor medal next to it. The chess board itself also indicates his decline. Napoleon has lost the majority of his pieces and is in danger of losing his King, here labeled "Paris." Bernadotte and Alexander I actively engage in the play on the board. The Czar gazes at Napoleon as he moves a knight. Napoleon does not return his look; instead, he tears his hair in contemplation of his next move. Standing to the right of Bull, Wellington watches Napoleon's reaction to Alexander's move. He stands at the ready in an elegant pose with his hands on the hilt of his unsheathed sword. Of all the figures represented, Wellington is clearly the most heroic. He is rendered in full length profile and wears a highly decorated uniform on which the star of the order of St. George is displayed. Other European leaders cluster around the chess game and offer comments of support and advice. Francis I stands on the left of the satire and wears a tall fur hat with a skull and cross bones and a uniform decorated with the Hapsburg eagle. On the far right of the sheet, Ferdinand VII of Spain rushes onto the scene. Uncolored engraving, published by Hannah Humphrey. George notes that at the time this sheet was published, Napoleon was enjoying a run of success in battles. Moreover, George writes that 'Unknown to the artist, Wellington's expected offensive began on 14 Fe., leading to the battle of Orthez on 27 Feb.' 1814-03-01 Dialogue: Frederick William: "Check Mate--by all thats good." Dialogue: Bernadotte: "Stand by us Johnny! never mind your money dropping out of your pocketts." Dialogue: Monarch at Alexander's left: "Let us only mind our motions Brother and we shall be sure of the Game." Dialogue: Napoleon: "Which way shall I move! how shall I manoeuver. I am afraid I shall lose my King as well as my men and Knights." Dialogue: John Bull (standing underneath globe): "Never fear my Lads! only mind your play, John Bull won't flinch let what will happen." Dialogue: Monarch welcoming Ferdinand VII: "Your just in time to see your old kidnapper loose the game he thought himself the best player in World." Dialogue: Ferdinand VII: "I am releas'd on condition of taking share in a rubber with him but I shall not consider compulsion binding." Printed Signature: G. H. Invt Annotation: 1814, 6-- Annotation: 201 [circled and struck through], 1394 [circled] Annotation: TH264 Collector's Mark: A

Polish winged hussar, c. 1585

Wood-engraving (by or after Amman), unsigned; standing figure with war-axe, feathered headdress, fur-trimmed tunic or coat, outdoors. Wood-engraving (by or after Amman), unsigned; standing figure with war-axe, feathered headdress, fur-trimmed tunic or coat, outdoors. Small upright folio, matted; margins trimmed away; clean. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951. Title supplied by cataloger

Polish Refugees; Forced March, Slept in Barns

Two works on one page, oriented in opposite directions. On the "Polished Refugees" side, a group of men stand in line outside a building. In the foreground are three military vehicles. On the "Forced March" side, a line of marching soldiers is seen from behind, with farm buildings and bare trees in the background and a horse and cart to the right. This is the verso of the work entitled "Prison Camp Life Studies." Two works on one page, oriented in opposite directions. On the "Polished Refugees" side, a group of men stand in line outside a building. In the foreground are three military vehicles. On the "Forced March" side, a line of marching soldiers is seen from behind, with farm buildings and bare trees in the background and a horse and cart to the right. This is the verso of the work entitled "Prison Camp Life Studies." Served with the U.S. Army Air Force in Italy and his B-17 bomber was shot down over Germany in June 13, 1944. Captured, he was interned in Stalag Luft 3 until liberated the following year.

Polish lancers of the Garde impériale, 1812

Original watercolor signed and dated by Heath; mounted and standing uniform figures in foreground, lancers etc. charging in background; mounted figure thought to represent General Konopka, colonel of the 3rd Polish Lancers. Original watercolor signed and dated by Heath; mounted and standing uniform figures in foreground, lancers etc. charging in background; mounted figure thought to represent General Konopka, colonel of the 3rd Polish Lancers. Large, upright; no margins; clean. Title supplied by cataloger

Polish lancers attacking Austrian chevaulegers, c. 1809

Original ink and bistre wash drawing signed by (Pierre?) Martinet; lancer uphorsing Austrian cavalryman (who is erroneously shown wearing the earlier headgear abandoned in 1798 for the bugelhelm). Original ink and bistre wash drawing signed by (Pierre?) Martinet; lancer uphorsing Austrian cavalryman (who is erroneously shown wearing the earlier headgear abandoned in 1798 for the bugelhelm). Small oblong, mounted on cream paper, matted; no margins. Title supplied by cataloger. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1962.

Polish lancer

Polish lancer

Brown University

One of a collection of 9 small hand colored lithographs (including 1 duplicate) of military types of armies participating in Greek War of Independence. Figure on black horse facing left. One of a collection of 9 small hand colored lithographs (including 1 duplicate) of military types of armies participating in Greek War of Independence. Figure on black horse facing left. Square; margins, clean, in green cloth portfolio, yellow cloth labels stamped gold "Combat Scenes of Greek-Turkish War, 1835". Title supplied by cataloger. New York, Harry H. Hymes, 1946.

Polish diet, with French desert

Colored engraving signed and dated by Tegg, published Decmr. 8, 1812. 'General Bennigsen (right) stands aggressively beside a large kitchen fire basting Napoleon, a much smaller figure, who is horizontally transfixed on a spit turned by a bear (left) seated erect on its hind-legs. He uses a ladle inscribed 'Benningsens baistings'. A large frying-pan rests on the flames by the bear's head from which frogs are diving into the fire. There is also a large steaming pot inscribed 'Corsican Broth'. The bear, whose thigh is inscribed 'Westphielea ham', asks: "How do you like Benningsen Baisting —Master Bony—and your Frogs." Napoleon, whose wrists and ankles are lashed to the spit, answers: "Our situation may be fun for you—Mr Bear—but Death to us." Bennigsen grasps a red-hot poker with a spade-like end inscribed 'Russia Iron'; he says fiercely: "I'll Roast—Beast [sic]—Dish—and Devour you, he Smoaks Brothe [sic] Bruin—an other turn and he is done." He has a patch over one eye, huge moustaches, and wears a fur cap, fur-trimmed uniform, with star and cross, and high cavalry boots, besides a small apron inscribed 'Russia duck'. The long pan under Napoleon, in which are sops of bread, is inscribed 'Sop for Cossacks'. On the ground is a row of four dishes inscribed respectively 'Bears grease', 'French Capers', 'Russian Sauce', 'Ice Cream' -- British Museum Colored engraving signed and dated by Tegg, published Decmr. 8, 1812. 'General Bennigsen (right) stands aggressively beside a large kitchen fire basting Napoleon, a much smaller figure, who is horizontally transfixed on a spit turned by a bear (left) seated erect on its hind-legs. He uses a ladle inscribed 'Benningsens baistings'. A large frying-pan rests on the flames by the bear's head from which frogs are diving into the fire. There is also a large steaming pot inscribed 'Corsican Broth'. The bear, whose thigh is inscribed 'Westphielea ham', asks: "How do you like Benningsen Baisting —Master Bony—and your Frogs." Napoleon, whose wrists and ankles are lashed to the spit, answers: "Our situation may be fun for you—Mr Bear—but Death to us." Bennigsen grasps a red-hot poker with a spade-like end inscribed 'Russia Iron'; he says fiercely: "I'll Roast—Beast [sic]—Dish—and Devour you, he Smoaks Brothe [sic] Bruin—an other turn and he is done." He has a patch over one eye, huge moustaches, and wears a fur cap, fur-trimmed uniform, with star and cross, and high cavalry boots, besides a small apron inscribed 'Russia duck'. The long pan under Napoleon, in which are sops of bread, is inscribed 'Sop for Cossacks'. On the ground is a row of four dishes inscribed respectively 'Bears grease', 'French Capers', 'Russian Sauce', 'Ice Cream' -- British Museum Oblong folio, matted; margins; clean.

Polish and Hungarian horsemen, c. 1644

Etched unsigned plate copied from 2 separate plates in original series by Della Bella; 2 horsemen, 1 showing side view, 3/4-turned in saddle, 1 shown 3/4-front view. Etched unsigned plate copied from 2 separate plates in original series by Della Bella; 2 horsemen, 1 showing side view, 3/4-turned in saddle, 1 shown 3/4-front view. Oblong, matted; margins trimmed; slightly soiled. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1948. title provided by cataloger

Polens Freiheitskampf

Polens Freiheitskampf

Brown University

One of a collection of 2 color engravings and 1 color lighograph song sheets, each with illustrations of sensenträger. [See also: Polnischer National Gesang (and) Kossynier.] One of a collection of 2 color engravings and 1 color lighograph song sheets, each with illustrations of sensenträger. [See also: Polnischer National Gesang (and) Kossynier.] Upright; margins trimmed; tear and loss at bottom; yellowed. Paris, Delacre sale, 1961.

Poland 1919-39: trumpet- and drum-banners

3rd of 3 ink and watercolor drawings signed by Matuszczak; 7 illustrations of trumpet- and drum-banners. 3rd of 3 ink and watercolor drawings signed by Matuszczak; 7 illustrations of trumpet- and drum-banners. Small upright folio, matted; margins intact; clean. London, Foster Groom, 1952. titlprovided by cataloger

Poinot: sapeur du genie le 27 janvier 1847

Original unsigned watercolor; crude color portrait of sapper in blue uniform and shako, holding rifle to shoulder; monument or tomb, church buildings in background. Original unsigned watercolor; crude color portrait of sapper in blue uniform and shako, holding rifle to shoulder; monument or tomb, church buildings in background. Upright folio, matted; no margins; slight spotting.