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

Nathaniel Greene

Nathaniel Greene

Brown University

Steel engraving; bust portrait in uniform. Steel engraving; bust portrait in uniform. Upright; plate mark, margins intact; clean. N.Y., Argosy, 1954.

Nath. Greene

Nath. Greene

Brown University

One of two steel engraved plates (from book); bust portrait in uniform by H.B. Hall, Jr. [See also: John A. Dix]. One of two steel engraved plates (from book); bust portrait in uniform by H.B. Hall, Jr. [See also: John A. Dix]. Upright; margins; glue stain along left edge. Hanover, N.H., Book & Print Shop, 1956

Narrow escape of Prince Blucher

Original watercolor, signed and dated by Warren; battle scene showing Prussian cavalry rescuing General Blücher, who has fallen from horse, French cavalry retreating in right background. Original watercolor, signed and dated by Warren; battle scene showing Prussian cavalry rescuing General Blücher, who has fallen from horse, French cavalry retreating in right background. Oblong folio; unmatted; no margins; clean. New York, Harry Hymes, 1947

Narrow escape of Col. Middlebury on the 16th

Original watercolor, signed and dated by Warren; battle scene showing mounted British officer riding toward right between his own troops and French artillery, firing. Original watercolor, signed and dated by Warren; battle scene showing mounted British officer riding toward right between his own troops and French artillery, firing. Oblong folio; unmatted; no margins; clean. Title from verso, handwritten

Narciso López

Narciso López

Brown University

Chromolithograph printe by Rojas; half-length portrait in uniform of López, a Venezuelan-born Spanish adventurer, leader of expedition from New Orleans to Cuba in 1851. Chromolithograph printe by Rojas; half-length portrait in uniform of López, a Venezuelan-born Spanish adventurer, leader of expedition from New Orleans to Cuba in 1851. Small upright folio; margins trimmed; slight marginal tears; yellowed. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1961.

Napper Tandy: Taken from Life, in Newgate. Novemr. 2d 1799

Hand-colored engraved semi-caricature portrait by and after Gillray; Tandy, bust, in French general's uniform, hatless. Hand-colored engraved semi-caricature portrait by and after Gillray; Tandy, bust, in French general's uniform, hatless. Small upright; margins trimmed; clean. N.Y.; Walter Schatzki, 1954. Title: NAPPER TANDY. Taken from Life, in Newgate. Novemr. 2d 1799. Caption: Js. Gillray del. & fect Caption: London - Publishd Novr. 8th, 1799. by H. Humphrey. No. 27. St. James's Street

Napolleon Franz Karl Joseph. Herzog von Reichstadt

Lithograph by Honegger after Scheuchzer; copied from the original by Dafflinger, but with the image reversed, the tunic therefore buttoning in the wrong direction and the orders appearing as worn on the right breast etc. Lithograph by Honegger after Scheuchzer; copied from the original by Dafflinger, but with the image reversed, the tunic therefore buttoning in the wrong direction and the orders appearing as worn on the right breast etc. Upright folio, matted; margins trimmed; corner stained. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1963.

Napoleons stuffen jahre

Napoleons stuffen jahre

Brown University

This image is one example of a type of Napoleonic satire especially popular in German imagery. In it, Napoleon's rise, and eventual fall from power, is described as a series of steps leading up to and away from his coronation as Emperor of France. While other versions of this type end in Napoleon's imagined death, the progression in this image ends with his exile to Elba. This final step is elaborately depicted in a hollow carved in the base of the steps. In this archway Napoleon sits under a willow tree and weeps into a handkerchief. A scroll on the ground in front of him identifies the scene and setting: "Das grosse Reich/ Insel/ Elba." Each of the steps leading up to his coronation is an example of his promotion through various military roles. The steps leading to his exile are examples of his failed military campaigns. This image has been cropped and mounted on a sheet of grey paper. This image is one example of a type of Napoleonic satire especially popular in German imagery. In it, Napoleon's rise, and eventual fall from power, is described as a series of steps leading up to and away from his coronation as Emperor of France. While other versions of this type end in Napoleon's imagined death, the progression in this image ends with his exile to Elba. This final step is elaborately depicted in a hollow carved in the base of the steps. In this archway Napoleon sits under a willow tree and weeps into a handkerchief. A scroll on the ground in front of him identifies the scene and setting: "Das grosse Reich/ Insel/ Elba." Each of the steps leading up to his coronation is an example of his promotion through various military roles. The steps leading to his exile are examples of his failed military campaigns. This image has been cropped and mounted on a sheet of grey paper. Label(s): "Corsischer Knabe," "Militair Schüler," "Glücksritter zu Paris," "General," "Herrscher," "Grossherscher," "Abschied aus Spanien," "Schlittenfahrt aus Moscau," "Leberwohl aus Deutschland," "Ende." Label(s): Das Grosse Reich/ Insel/ Elba

Napoleons stuffen jahre

Napoleons stuffen jahre

Brown University

This image is one example of a type of Napoleonic satire especially popular in German imagery. In it, Napoleon's rise and eventual fall from power is described as a series of steps leading up to and away from his coronation as Emperor of France. While other versions of this type end in Napoleon's imagined death, the progression in this image ends with his exile to Elba. This final step is elaborately depicted in a hollow carved in the base of the steps. In this archway Napoleon sits under a willow tree and weeps into a handkerchief. A scroll on the ground in front of him identifies the scene and setting: "Das grosse Reich/ Insel/ Elba." Each of the steps leading up to his coronation is an example of his promotion through various military roles. The steps leading to his exile are examples of his failed military campaigns. This image is one example of a type of Napoleonic satire especially popular in German imagery. In it, Napoleon's rise and eventual fall from power is described as a series of steps leading up to and away from his coronation as Emperor of France. While other versions of this type end in Napoleon's imagined death, the progression in this image ends with his exile to Elba. This final step is elaborately depicted in a hollow carved in the base of the steps. In this archway Napoleon sits under a willow tree and weeps into a handkerchief. A scroll on the ground in front of him identifies the scene and setting: "Das grosse Reich/ Insel/ Elba." Each of the steps leading up to his coronation is an example of his promotion through various military roles. The steps leading to his exile are examples of his failed military campaigns. Label(s): Corsischer Knabe, Militair Schüler, Lieutenant, General, Consul, Kaiser, Abschied aus Spanien, Schlittenfahrt aus Moscau, sLebewohl aus Deutschland, Ende

Napoleons stuffen jahre

Napoleons stuffen jahre

Brown University

This satire is one example of a type common in German print satires of Napoleon. In it Napoleon's life is described in two parts: first as a series of steps leading up to the apex of his career--his coronation as Emperor of France. Second, as a decline, represented as a gradual slope leading to his exile. The events that exemplify his rise and fall are laid out as a linear progression on the sheet of paper and travel from left to right. Yet, according to the satire, Napoleon has come full circle and is returned to his humble, if not disgraceful, origins. This point is made clear in the proximity of the representations of Corsica and Elba in the upper right of the image. The steps leading upwards begin with Napoleon's youth, where he is shown as a "Corsischer Knabe." The steps leading to his coronation focus on his military successes and promotions. The steps leading to his exile are examples of military failures: he is shown being chased from Spain, Moscow, Germany, and eventually from continental Europe. This satire is one example of a type common in German print satires of Napoleon. In it Napoleon's life is described in two parts: first as a series of steps leading up to the apex of his career--his coronation as Emperor of France. Second, as a decline, represented as a gradual slope leading to his exile. The events that exemplify his rise and fall are laid out as a linear progression on the sheet of paper and travel from left to right. Yet, according to the satire, Napoleon has come full circle and is returned to his humble, if not disgraceful, origins. This point is made clear in the proximity of the representations of Corsica and Elba in the upper right of the image. The steps leading upwards begin with Napoleon's youth, where he is shown as a "Corsischer Knabe." The steps leading to his coronation focus on his military successes and promotions. The steps leading to his exile are examples of military failures: he is shown being chased from Spain, Moscow, Germany, and eventually from continental Europe. This satire belongs to a genre of Napoleonic satires often referred to as "Napoleons Stufenjahre." Caption: Inscribed on the steps, (l. to r.): "Corsischer Knabe," "Mülitair Schüler," "Glücksritter zu Paris," "General," "Herrscher," "Grossherscher," "Abschied aus Spanien," "Schlittenfahrt aus Moscau," "Lebervohl aus Deutschland," "Ende."

Napoleons Rückzug von Moskau

Colored lithograph; Napoleon mounted, riding toward right, followed by officers; army in retreat, burning city in background. Colored lithograph; Napoleon mounted, riding toward right, followed by officers; army in retreat, burning city in background. Oblong folio, mounted on gray paper; margins severely trimmed; slightly worn. Heidelberg, Helmut Tenner, 1960.

Napoleons Reiseabentheuer ...

68th in collection of 102 hand-colored (except for 3) engraved plates by Campe; Napoleon in carriage taking him to exile, passing through city street, surrounded by jeering crowds. 68th in collection of 102 hand-colored (except for 3) engraved plates by Campe; Napoleon in carriage taking him to exile, passing through city street, surrounded by jeering crowds. Small oblong folio and medium folio, unbound; in blue cloth portfolio, red cloth label stamped black.

Napoleons Flucht in der Schlacht von Waterloo: den 18 Juni 1815

33rd in collection of 32 colored and 2 uncolored large aquatint plates of campaign, battle and other scenes by and after Rugendas, one engraved by Küpfer; panoramic scene of Waterloo battle, Napoleon and staff fleeing on horseback in left foreground. Title below with description in French and German. 33rd in collection of 32 colored and 2 uncolored large aquatint plates of campaign, battle and other scenes by and after Rugendas, one engraved by Küpfer; panoramic scene of Waterloo battle, Napoleon and staff fleeing on horseback in left foreground. Title below with description in French and German. Large oblong folio, matted giant folio; plates I-XX in orange marble board portfolio, plates XXI ff. in blue marble board portfolio, black cloth backs; clean. Paris, Paul Roulleau, 1951.

Napoleons Fischzug auf der Insel Elba, O weh! Sie sind verlohren

Broadley: Related to the Elban episode in Napoleon's career. 'The exile sits on a rock, with Rustan standing behind him holding a basket. His rod bends almost to breaking under the weight of a net containing the crown, eagles, Code Napoleon, and laurel wreaths, which he has lost.' Broadley: Related to the Elban episode in Napoleon's career. 'The exile sits on a rock, with Rustan standing behind him holding a basket. His rod bends almost to breaking under the weight of a net containing the crown, eagles, Code Napoleon, and laurel wreaths, which he has lost.'

Napoleons Entthronung zu Fontainebleau, den 4n April 1814 ...

66th in collection of 102 hand-colored (except for 3) engraved plates by Campe; officers and soldiers confronting Napoleon in palace room, demanding he surrender his sword. 66th in collection of 102 hand-colored (except for 3) engraved plates by Campe; officers and soldiers confronting Napoleon in palace room, demanding he surrender his sword. Small oblong folio and medium folio, unbound; in blue cloth portfolio, red cloth label stamped black.

Napoleons Ende auf St. Helena den 5. May 1821

102nd in collection of 102 hand-colored (except for 3) engraved plates by Campe; Napoleon's body lying on a canopied bed surrounded by mourning officers, officials and a clergyman. 102nd in collection of 102 hand-colored (except for 3) engraved plates by Campe; Napoleon's body lying on a canopied bed surrounded by mourning officers, officials and a clergyman. Small oblong folio and medium folio, unbound; in blue cloth portfolio, red cloth label stamped black.

Napoleons Ende als Feldherr ...

64th in collection of 102 hand-colored (except for 3) engraved plates by Campe; French Guardsmen accusing and threatening Napoleon, surprised Allied officers looking on. 64th in collection of 102 hand-colored (except for 3) engraved plates by Campe; French Guardsmen accusing and threatening Napoleon, surprised Allied officers looking on. Small oblong folio and medium folio, unbound; in blue cloth portfolio, red cloth label stamped black.

Napoleons Ankunft in der Unterwelt

Napoleon is greeted by the Devil in hell and given a throne composed of the bones of the people he has murdered. Napoleon is greeted by the Devil in hell and given a throne composed of the bones of the people he has murdered. Caption: Errichtet hast du deinen Thron, durch Mord von Millionen Seelen, Besteig ihm nun mein Lieber Sohn, die Teufel sollen dich jezt quälen Und dich zum Lohn für deine groszen Thaten, auf ewig in der Hölle -- braten [You have built your throne through the murder of millions of souls, Ascend it now, my dear Son, the Devil shall torment you, and the payment for your great deeds is to burn forever in Hell]

Napoleons Abführung auf die Insel Elba ...

67th in collection of 102 hand-colored (except for 3) engraved plates by Campe; officers and guards leading Napoleon from doorway into carriage. 67th in collection of 102 hand-colored (except for 3) engraved plates by Campe; officers and guards leading Napoleon from doorway into carriage. Small oblong folio and medium folio, unbound; in blue cloth portfolio, red cloth label stamped black.

Napoleone

Napoleone

Brown University

Uncolored, unsigned lithograph or engraving; image of mortuary statue, bust of Napoleon in laurel wreath, eyes closed, with sword and medals at base; titled "Napoleone" (in Italian) below. Uncolored, unsigned lithograph or engraving; image of mortuary statue, bust of Napoleon in laurel wreath, eyes closed, with sword and medals at base; titled "Napoleone" (in Italian) below. Upright follow; narrow margins; clean.

Napoleon's Return from Island of Elba, March 7th 1815

Hand-colored lithograph (after Steuben), unsigned; 'Napoleon standing in a wintry field, one hand raised, looking to left, surrounded by soldiers who rush to greet and acclaim him; an officer standing behind Napoleon carries a standard' -- British Museum. [See also: FrP 1815 ef-1] Hand-colored lithograph (after Steuben), unsigned; 'Napoleon standing in a wintry field, one hand raised, looking to left, surrounded by soldiers who rush to greet and acclaim him; an officer standing behind Napoleon carries a standard' -- British Museum. [See also: FrP 1815 ef-1] Large oblong folio, matted; margins severely trimmed; clean, creased. title provided by cataloger

Napoleon's return from Elba

One of a pair of original watercolors signed bottom right: 'J. Vernet'; Napoleon on deck of ship with numerous military and naval followers. [See also: Napoleon's Abdication at Fountainbleu: Napoleon presented with abdication act to sign in palace salon.] One of a pair of original watercolors signed bottom right: 'J. Vernet'; Napoleon on deck of ship with numerous military and naval followers. [See also: Napoleon's Abdication at Fountainbleu: Napoleon presented with abdication act to sign in palace salon.] Oblong medium folio, matted; no margins; clean. Title supplied by cataloger. New York, Augustin Fries, 1958.

Napoleon's quarters in the St. Bernard Pass, 1800

Original unsigned watercolor showing small figures of officers and grenadier in long vaulted chamber, some standing near window, others at table, Napoleon (?) warming feet at fireplace, large camp bed on right. Original unsigned watercolor showing small figures of officers and grenadier in long vaulted chamber, some standing near window, others at table, Napoleon (?) warming feet at fireplace, large camp bed on right. Oblong, matted; no margins; clean. New York, Rockman Prints, 1952. Title and subtitle supplied by cataloger

Napoleon's Leichenbegägnis auf der Insel St. Helena am 5ten May 1821: Nach dem Englischen Original des Capitain Marry...

Colored aquatint by and after Rugendas from sketch by Marryat, numbered 42; view of funeral procession with catafalque in foreground, troops assembled in left and right background, buildings in distance. Colored aquatint by and after Rugendas from sketch by Marryat, numbered 42; view of funeral procession with catafalque in foreground, troops assembled in left and right background, buildings in distance. Oblong folio; margins trimmed; clean. New York, Rockman Prints, 1948.

Napoleon's flight from Russia in disguise

Original wash drawing, signed and dated bottom right: 'V. G. Kininger. d. 825'; peasant wagon drawn by 4 horses and driven by hussar in disguise, containing 2 personages (evidently also in disguise, of whom one may presumably be Napoleon) in flight. Original wash drawing, signed and dated bottom right: 'V. G. Kininger. d. 825'; peasant wagon drawn by 4 horses and driven by hussar in disguise, containing 2 personages (evidently also in disguise, of whom one may presumably be Napoleon) in flight. Oblong, matted medium folio; no margins. Title supplied by cataloger. New York, Rockman Prints, 1951.

Napoleon's entry into Berlin

Original wash drawing, unsigned, unfinished (by Debret); Napoleon, mounted, receiving keys from official; French marshal at left, grenadier à cheval at right. Original wash drawing, unsigned, unfinished (by Debret); Napoleon, mounted, receiving keys from official; French marshal at left, grenadier à cheval at right. Oblong folio, matted; margins; clean. New York, Rockman Prints, 1954. title provided by cataloger

Napoleon's abdication at Fontainebleau

1st in pair of original watercolors signed bottom right: 'J. Vernet'; Napoleon presented with abdication act by allied officers, to sign in palace salon. 1st in pair of original watercolors signed bottom right: 'J. Vernet'; Napoleon presented with abdication act by allied officers, to sign in palace salon. Oblong medium folio, matted; no margins; clean. New York, Augustin Fries, 1958. Title supplied by cataloger

Napoleon: engraved portrait on silk

Engraving on silk (after Lefevre); 3/4-length portrait in chasseur uniform, standing near desk and chair. Engraving on silk (after Lefevre); 3/4-length portrait in chasseur uniform, standing near desk and chair. Upright folio, matted; margins intact; clean. Title supplied by cataloger.