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

Oberleutnant der Fliegertruppe 1937

One of a collection of 44 original signed watercolors of uniform figures, insignia and flags by Herbert Knötel d. J. Figure in gray walking to the left. One of a collection of 44 original signed watercolors of uniform figures, insignia and flags by Herbert Knötel d. J. Figure in gray walking to the left. Field gray portfolio stamped gold. Washington, D.C., H. Wandrus, 1967.

Oberleutnant (Arzt); Oberleutnant (Justizoffizier)

5th in set of 30 sheets with 67 original watercolor drawings of insignia of Slovak army under Nazis, accompanied by 2 typewritten pages of identification; 2 shoulder or cap insignia for 2 ranks of officer, with stars on dark blue and black backgrounds, gold borders. 5th in set of 30 sheets with 67 original watercolor drawings of insignia of Slovak army under Nazis, accompanied by 2 typewritten pages of identification; 2 shoulder or cap insignia for 2 ranks of officer, with stars on dark blue and black backgrounds, gold borders. Unbound; clean; in tan cloth case, red leather label stamped gold "Czechoslovakia Wehrmacht, World War II. Watercolors". Berlin, Ordens-Sammlung, 1955.

Obergefreiter der Infanterie, 1933

38th in collection of 50 original watercolors, signed by Knötel; standing uniform figure of infantryman, standing at attention with grounded rifle, facing right. 38th in collection of 50 original watercolors, signed by Knötel; standing uniform figure of infantryman, standing at attention with grounded rifle, facing right. Small, unbound; in green cloth slipcase, red leather label stamped gold; clean. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951.

Oberfeldswebel im Wachanzug

7th in collection of 31 sheets with 49 original watercolor drawings of uniform figures, details and insignia, accompanied by 2 typewritten pp. of identification; standing figure of officer in green uniform, yellow trim, green helmet. 7th in collection of 31 sheets with 49 original watercolor drawings of uniform figures, details and insignia, accompanied by 2 typewritten pp. of identification; standing figure of officer in green uniform, yellow trim, green helmet. Narrow upright, unbound; clean; in tan cloth case, red leather label st. gold "Czechoslovakia Wehrmacht, World War II. Watercolors". Berlin, Ordens-Sammlung, 1955.

Ober officier Infanterie in Gala

One of a suite of 25 original unsigned watercolor drawings of projected uniform designs, showing standing figure with halberd. One of a suite of 25 original unsigned watercolor drawings of projected uniform designs, showing standing figure with halberd. Small, unbound; clean; in red box portfolio stamped gold: 'Project for Uniforms KK Household Troops.' New York, Walter Schatzki, 1955

Ob. Schles. Grenadier: 1. Bat.

19th 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. 19th 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.

Oawahoo, Hawaii, 1943: palm trees and beach

Unsigned original acrylic painting by Michael; tropical island landscape with coconut palm trees, small boat on shore, wooden fence rail, beach and ocean in background. Unsigned original acrylic painting by Michael; tropical island landscape with coconut palm trees, small boat on shore, wooden fence rail, beach and ocean in background. Upright small folio, on board; no margins; clean.

Oawahoo, Hawaii Islands, 1943: (crater in background)

Unsigned original acrylic painting by Michael; tropical island landscape with palm trees, ocean bay in background, description on verso. Unsigned original acrylic painting by Michael; tropical island landscape with palm trees, ocean bay in background, description on verso. Upright small folio, on board; no margins; clean.

O.D. Gordon: Collonel van het Genootschap Pro Patria et Libertate. te Utrecht = Colonel Commandant de l'Association M...

Hand colored engraving by Weppelman & Liestink and Reinr. Vinkeles & C. Bogerts after a painting by v. Cuylenburgh, 1784; 3/4-length portrait in uniform with musket, smaller figures of drummer and soldiers in background. Hand colored engraving by Weppelman & Liestink and Reinr. Vinkeles & C. Bogerts after a painting by v. Cuylenburgh, 1784; 3/4-length portrait in uniform with musket, smaller figures of drummer and soldiers in background. Upright folio, matted; plate mark, margins intact; edges soiled worn and torn. N.Y., Hobby Shoppe, 1947.

O the roast beef of old England, &c.

Copper engraved caricature by C. Mosley after Hogarth, published March 6th, 1749; group of various characters outside city gate, including 2 in military dress, one in center bearing haunch of beef. Copper engraved caricature by C. Mosley after Hogarth, published March 6th, 1749; group of various characters outside city gate, including 2 in military dress, one in center bearing haunch of beef. Oblong folio, matted; plate mark, margins trimmed; slightly soiled, lower left corner bent. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1949.

Ô ma Denise

Ô ma Denise

Brown University

70th in collection of 91 lithographic plates by Villain and Gihaut frères after Charlet; boisterous tavern scene, women waitress at left holding platter, 4 drunken soldiers and civilians around table. 70th in collection of 91 lithographic plates by Villain and Gihaut frères after Charlet; boisterous tavern scene, women waitress at left holding platter, 4 drunken soldiers and civilians around table. In blue cloth case, blue leather stamped gold "Lithographs by Charlet". New York, Walter Schatzki, 1965.

O Császári Király: Fö-Herczegsége Fenséges Jósef

Lithograph by Pettenkofen after Geiger; oval bust portrait of Josef II in uniform, with allegorical figures at either side and below, magnates and peasants at left and right, arms at bottom. Lithograph by Pettenkofen after Geiger; oval bust portrait of Josef II in uniform, with allegorical figures at either side and below, magnates and peasants at left and right, arms at bottom. Large upright folio; margins intact; some marginal foxing. Middletown, Conn., Schwarz, 1956.

O come you from the battle-field: dialogue duet and chorus

by Geo. F. Root. Song; for soprano and tenor, with piano. Caption title: Oh come you from the battle-field. Illustration: title set within an oval frame. Around the frame is a floral border and scenes illustrating five popular song titles: The vacant chair, Silent lute, Who'll save the left, Battel [sic] cry of freedom, and Within sound of the enemy's guns / Copcutt=Williams Sc. First line of text: same as title.

Ô amour!!!

Ô amour!!!

Brown University

Lith. pr. by Charlet; humorous image of soldier in greatcoat hiking down country road, carrying basket of puppies, dog at his heels; young woman in background, riding horse with baggage. Lith. pr. by Charlet; humorous image of soldier in greatcoat hiking down country road, carrying basket of puppies, dog at his heels; young woman in background, riding horse with baggage. Upright folio; margins; faded, slightly stained.

Nutzleich undericht ...: David de Solemne Quartiermeister uber die Trouppen des hochgebomen Graff Ernsten Casimiren z...

Engraving by and after de Solemne; bird's-eye perspective view of encampment, drill etc. going on to left and right of encampment, walled city etc. in upper distance. Engraving by and after de Solemne; bird's-eye perspective view of encampment, drill etc. going on to left and right of encampment, walled city etc. in upper distance. Giant upright folio, matted; margins trimmed close, clean. De Solemne was employed by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) as quartermaster, paymaster general, captain, and the author of 'La charge du maréchal des logis par de Solemne' (La Haye: Henry Hondius, 1632). This plate was reproduced in the book.

Nursing the spawn of a tyrant, or Frenchmen sick of the breed

The unruly infant King of Rome sits on the lap of his nurse. The heir raises a dagger menacingly at his nurse and holds a sphere as if about to launch it at her head. His nurse recoils in alarm; while she attempts to hold onto his body with her right hand, she must fend off his attack with her free left arm. In the struggle a bowl of pap has spilled onto the floor. The nurse has also kicked the young king's throne/chamber pot, and spills the copious contents onto the floor. The Pope, trembling and fearful, kneels at the right of the nurse's couch. He offers a chalice on which is inscribed "Composing Draught," and advises "Send him to his Grand Pappa as quick as possible." The head of another observer is visible between that of the Pope and the curve of the back of the couch. Napoleon is present to witness the scene. He stands at the right of the image and is shown peeking from behind the curtain. His face is contorted in anger and his hand clutches the drape; it would seem that he is angry not at the antics of his son, but with the remarks of the nurse and the Pope. In composition this scene is a travesty of traditional representations of the "Adoration of the Magi." Often such iconography was used in satires to indicate that Napoleon and his heir were infernal creations of a demonic plot. The unruly infant King of Rome sits on the lap of his nurse. The heir raises a dagger menacingly at his nurse and holds a sphere as if about to launch it at her head. His nurse recoils in alarm; while she attempts to hold onto his body with her right hand, she must fend off his attack with her free left arm. In the struggle a bowl of pap has spilled onto the floor. The nurse has also kicked the young king's throne/chamber pot, and spills the copious contents onto the floor. The Pope, trembling and fearful, kneels at the right of the nurse's couch. He offers a chalice on which is inscribed "Composing Draught," and advises "Send him to his Grand Pappa as quick as possible." The head of another observer is visible between that of the Pope and the curve of the back of the couch. Napoleon is present to witness the scene. He stands at the right of the image and is shown peeking from behind the curtain. His face is contorted in anger and his hand clutches the drape; it would seem that he is angry not at the antics of his son, but with the remarks of the nurse and the Pope. In composition this scene is a travesty of traditional representations of the "Adoration of the Magi." Often such iconography was used in satires to indicate that Napoleon and his heir were infernal creations of a demonic plot. Dialogue: Nurse: "There's no Condition sure so curst as mine Day and Night to dandle such a Dragon. The little Angry Cur snarls while it feeds. See how the Blood is settled in his Scarecrow Face, what brutal mischief sits upon his Brow, Rage and Vengence Sparkle in his Cheeks, the very spawn and spit of its Tyrant Father, nay now I look again, he is the very Picture of his Grandfather the Devil." Inscription: Pubd April 14th 1811 by Thos. Tegg No. 111 Cheapside. Plate Mark: 68

Nurses and officers dance in New Guinea

Original watercolor by Karl Rittmann; three couples dancing, African American band in background Original watercolor by Karl Rittmann; three couples dancing, African American band in background Gift of Larry Rittman, 2021 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/)

Nürnbergische neuerrichtetes freywilliges Bürger Militaire

Colored aquatint; uniform group, outdoors, church-towers and buildings in background. Colored aquatint; uniform group, outdoors, church-towers and buildings in background. Upright, matted medium folio; margins entirely trimmed away except at bottom; slightly yellowed. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951.

Nürnberg bürgerl. Volontair Corps, c. 1803

Original watercolor drawing; uniform figure, front and rear view. Original watercolor drawing; uniform figure, front and rear view. Upright, matted; no margins. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951.

Nuovo Reggimento, Lancieri Vercelli

From set of 42 from "Esercito Italiano" in collection of 805 ink and watercolor drawings of uniform figures on postcards, signed by J. Ronni; profile view of cavalryman in black jacket, blue trousers, red and blue trim, facing right. From set of 42 from "Esercito Italiano" in collection of 805 ink and watercolor drawings of uniform figures on postcards, signed by J. Ronni; profile view of cavalryman in black jacket, blue trousers, red and blue trim, facing right. Unbound; clean, some slightly yellowed; in red portfolio, black label st. gold "Italian uniforms, 1900-1912; original watercolor caricatures" by "J. Ronny". Rome, Querzola, 1967.

Nuovo Reggimento, Cavalleggeria Treviso

From set of 42 from "Esercito Italiano" in collection of 805 ink and watercolor drawings of uniform figures on postcards, signed by J. Ronni; profile view of cavalryman in black jacket, light blue jodhpurs, red trim, facing toward right. From set of 42 from "Esercito Italiano" in collection of 805 ink and watercolor drawings of uniform figures on postcards, signed by J. Ronni; profile view of cavalryman in black jacket, light blue jodhpurs, red trim, facing toward right. Unbound; clean, some slightly yellowed; in red portfolio, black label st. gold "Italian uniforms, 1900-1912; original watercolor caricatures" by "J. Ronny". Rome, Querzola, 1967.

Nuovo corpo franco di 3000 uomini del tente Colonnello Knesevich partito da Esseh in Ungheria, per l'Armata Combinata...

5th in collection of 5 hand-colored engraved plates; 4 standing uniform figures of French auxiliaries serving in allied army during War of the First Coalition. Possibly from 'Recueil des estampes et tableaux représentant la cause des maux gui afflègent l'Italia'. 5th in collection of 5 hand-colored engraved plates; 4 standing uniform figures of French auxiliaries serving in allied army during War of the First Coalition. Possibly from 'Recueil des estampes et tableaux représentant la cause des maux gui afflègent l'Italia'. Small folio, unbound; in red cloth slipcase, withe leather label stamped gold "Bassano - Austrian uniforms - 1797". Paris, Grangié sale, 1963.

Nunc animis opus est credas, unc pectore firmo

One of a suite of 5 mezzotint plates by Johann Andreas Pfeffel after Rugendas; combat among mounted soldiers, with Turks and others; Latin verses on each. One of a suite of 5 mezzotint plates by Johann Andreas Pfeffel after Rugendas; combat among mounted soldiers, with Turks and others; Latin verses on each. Oblong folio, matted large folio; plate marks, margins intact. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection 1951.

Nun Schultert das Gewehr

One of a pair of engravings by and after Rugendas; military genre scenes showing instruction of a recruit, country background. [See also: Hubsch aufgemerkt mein Sohn.] One of a pair of engravings by and after Rugendas; military genre scenes showing instruction of a recruit, country background. [See also: Hubsch aufgemerkt mein Sohn.] Upright; plate mark, margins trimmed; mounted on blue paper; slightly soiled and foxed. N.Y., Tony, 1966.

Nujeebs: Dept. juggerpore c.1838-40

7th in collection of 12 watercolor copies by Lawson of uniform figures, after original documents at Windsor castle library; 2 soldiers in green coats, white trousers, black caps, holding grounded rifles. 7th in collection of 12 watercolor copies by Lawson of uniform figures, after original documents at Windsor castle library; 2 soldiers in green coats, white trousers, black caps, holding grounded rifles. Small, unbound, clean; in red cloth case, green leather labels st. gold "Indian State Troops. Water-colours by C.C.P. Lawson from original documents". London, Lawson, 1958.

Nr. 8 [Bavarian uniforms], 1828

One of a collection of 8 mounted unsigned original watercolors (by Monten, for Sammtliche Truppen von Europa); uniform groups. Soldiers standing and sitting with rifles outside village. One of a collection of 8 mounted unsigned original watercolors (by Monten, for Sammtliche Truppen von Europa); uniform groups. Soldiers standing and sitting with rifles outside village. Unbound; clean; in blue cloth slipcase, beige leather label stamped gold. Munich, Wolfle, 1968. Title supplied by cataloger.

Nr. 7 [Bavarian uniforms], 1828

One of a collection of 8 mounted unsigned original watercolors (by Monten, for Sammtliche Truppen von Europa); uniform groups. 3 soldiers standing next to canon. One of a collection of 8 mounted unsigned original watercolors (by Monten, for Sammtliche Truppen von Europa); uniform groups. 3 soldiers standing next to canon. Unbound; clean; in blue cloth slipcase, beige leather label stamped gold. Title supplied by cataloger. Munich, Wolfle, 1968.

Nr. 6 [Bavarian uniforms], 1828

One of a collection of 8 mounted unsigned original watercolors (by Monten, for Sammtliche Truppen von Europa); uniform groups. Mounted and unmounted soldiers. One of a collection of 8 mounted unsigned original watercolors (by Monten, for Sammtliche Truppen von Europa); uniform groups. Mounted and unmounted soldiers. Unbound; clean; in blue cloth slipcase, beige leather label stamped gold. Title supplied by cataloger. Munich, Wolfle, 1968.