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

Japanischer Inganterist Winter Flagg d. II. Batallion 1915

One of eight loose pages of pencil and water-color sketches by an unknown hand depicting uniform details. One Japanese soldier, in uniform with gun and flag, standing in attention. Three military flags at the top. One of eight loose pages of pencil and water-color sketches by an unknown hand depicting uniform details. One Japanese soldier, in uniform with gun and flag, standing in attention. Three military flags at the top.

Japanischer Infanterist 1905

One of eight loose pages of pencil and water-color sketches by an unknown hand depicting uniform details. One Japanese soldier in uniform, with sword, standing in attention. One of eight loose pages of pencil and water-color sketches by an unknown hand depicting uniform details. One Japanese soldier in uniform, with sword, standing in attention.

Japanese visit of the United States Squadron under Perry

Depicts Perry's arrival in Edo Bay. Includes emblems of government fortifications around Edo Bay along with names of their leaders, total number of soldiers involved (586,750). Depicts American soldiers in line across top of map. Detailed map gives dimensions of ships as well as information the fittings on the ships. Depicts Perry's arrival in Edo Bay. Includes emblems of government fortifications around Edo Bay along with names of their leaders, total number of soldiers involved (586,750). Depicts American soldiers in line across top of map. Detailed map gives dimensions of ships as well as information the fittings on the ships. Title supplied by cataloger. Woodcut print by unknown artist. Japanese style case with bone clasps. Rutland, VT, Tuttle, 1952.

Japanese troops routing Chinese troops

One of a large collection of colored wood-block engravings (triptychs) of Sino- and Russo-Japanese war scenes. Chaotic battle with wounded soldiers on the ground. One of a large collection of colored wood-block engravings (triptychs) of Sino- and Russo-Japanese war scenes. Chaotic battle with wounded soldiers on the ground. Large oblong folio, matted giant folio; margins yellowed and worn. Title supplied by cataloger. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1948.

Japanese troops (infantry) waiting for embarkment on the jetty at Yokohama

Original wash drawing signed and dated by Schonberg; groups of infantrymen standing on pavement near wharf, 2 officers talking at left center. Original wash drawing signed and dated by Schonberg; groups of infantrymen standing on pavement near wharf, 2 officers talking at left center. Title from pencil inscription below image London, Parker Gallery, 1973.

Japanese soldiers who hid in Iwo Jima's hundreds of caves had to be dug out one at a time.

A Marine crouches on the ground, rifle at the ready, above a cave entrance. Other Marines are seen in the distance. Boxes and barrels litter the foreground. A Marine crouches on the ground, rifle at the ready, above a cave entrance. Other Marines are seen in the distance. Boxes and barrels litter the foreground. Title from typed label affixed to verso. Continues: 'The Marine has thrown a hand grenade into the hole, but as he doesn't think the Jap inside is dead, patiently waits for him to show himself, or give some other sign of life.' 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.

Japanese reception of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Connaught by Prince and Pricess Arisugawa, 1905

Original ink drawing by Gillett (for reproduction in newspaper); male royalties in uniform and Princess in afternoon gown, exchanging greetings on railroad station platform, members of suites in background. Original ink drawing by Gillett (for reproduction in newspaper); male royalties in uniform and Princess in afternoon gown, exchanging greetings on railroad station platform, members of suites in background. Probably drawn for The Daily Graphic Title supplied by cataloger. London, Ifan Kyrle Fletcher, 1952

Japanese POW

Japanese POW

Brown University

Original pen and ink sketch, signed and dated by Murphy, of a Japanese POW in Manila. Original pen and ink sketch, signed and dated by Murphy, of a Japanese POW in Manila. 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.

Japanese peasant

Japanese peasant

Brown University

Original pen and ink and watercolor portrait, signed by Murphy, of a Japanese peasant standing in a field, holding a walking stick. See also: A typical Japanese peasant. Original pen and ink and watercolor portrait, signed by Murphy, of a Japanese peasant standing in a field, holding a walking stick. See also: A typical Japanese peasant. 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.

Japanese infantry in snowstorm

Original wash drawing signed and dated by Schönberg; soldiers marching and leading horses through severe snowstorm. Original wash drawing signed and dated by Schönberg; soldiers marching and leading horses through severe snowstorm. Oblong folio, matted; no margins; good condition. New York, Rockman Prints, 1950.

Japanese heavy cruisers, Manila Bay, 1945

Original pen and ink sketch, signed and dated by Packlick, of Japanese heavy cruisers in Manila Bay. Original pen and ink sketch, signed and dated by Packlick, of Japanese heavy cruisers in Manila Bay. Oblong medium folio;matted; no margins; yellowed.

Japanese field station at the siege of Pekin. May-August 1900

Chromolithograph; field medics treating wounded soldiers in foreground, Japanese and British officers conferring at upper left, walled city under attack in background. Chromolithograph; field medics treating wounded soldiers in foreground, Japanese and British officers conferring at upper left, walled city under attack in background. Oblong folio, matted; margins intact; slightly soiled. London, Parker Gallery, 1957. title provided by cataloger

Japanese and American soldier caricatures

A set of caricatures on five pieces of paper, mounted onto thin cardboard. Upper left drawing depicts an American soldier saluting. Upper right is a portrait of a Japanese soldier. Lower left depicts an American soldier reading a book entitled "Civilian Career[s]". Center drawing depicts a standing Japanese soldier (?) apparently committing harakari with a knife. Below this is a grossly caricatured Japanese with glasses and buckteeth. The lower right is a scene from a dance with an American soldier cutting in on another soldier and a woman. 35.7 x 37.7 cm overall. (mount size) A set of caricatures on five pieces of paper, mounted onto thin cardboard. Upper left drawing depicts an American soldier saluting. Upper right is a portrait of a Japanese soldier. Lower left depicts an American soldier reading a book entitled "Civilian Career[s]". Center drawing depicts a standing Japanese soldier (?) apparently committing harakari with a knife. Below this is a grossly caricatured Japanese with glasses and buckteeth. The lower right is a scene from a dance with an American soldier cutting in on another soldier and a woman. 35.7 x 37.7 cm overall. (mount size)

Japanese actions in the Boxer Rebellion, 1900

One of a pair of color wood-block engravings (each of 3 plates joined together). Japanese rout out Chinese near city gate during bombardment and fall of Peking. One of a pair of color wood-block engravings (each of 3 plates joined together). Japanese rout out Chinese near city gate during bombardment and fall of Peking. Large oblong folio, matted giant folio; margins yellowed and worn. Title provided by cataloger. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1948.

Japanese actions in the Boxer Rebellion, 1900

One of two color wood-block engravings (each of 3 plates joined together). Japanese with sword unhorsing Chinese pikeman, other combat nearby, large explosion in background, during the fall of Peking. One of two color wood-block engravings (each of 3 plates joined together). Japanese with sword unhorsing Chinese pikeman, other combat nearby, large explosion in background, during the fall of Peking. Large oblong folio, matted giant folio; margins soiled and worn. Title provided by cataloger. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1948.

Japan--State opening by the Mikado of the railroad between Yokohama and Yeddo--presentation of the address by the for...

Wood engraved illustration from magazine; troops parading in foreground before Imperial pavilion or reviewing stand. Wood engraved illustration from magazine; troops parading in foreground before Imperial pavilion or reviewing stand. From a photograph by Felice Beato; reproduced in Frank Leslie's Illustrated News. New York, Milton L. Bernstein, 1951.

Jap tank burning on road as we move up

Original ink sketch signed by Crown; burning Japanese tank on country road by house at left and milestone, G.I. in background. Original ink sketch signed by Crown; burning Japanese tank on country road by house at left and milestone, G.I. in background. Numbered 35 on verso. Crown served in the South Pacific as an infantry artist and Staff Sergeant. He was also a field correspondent for Yank magazine. Gift of the artist, 1994.

Jap plane shot down, dove in to L.C.M. Oct. 24 '44

Original pen and ink sketch, dated by Packlick, of Japanese plane shot down, and crashing into water between several ships. Original pen and ink sketch, dated by Packlick, of Japanese plane shot down, and crashing into water between several ships. Oblong small folio; matted; no margins; several creases.

Janissary in turban, sleeveless jacket, loose pantaloons

One of two small original watercolors of uniform figures. Janissary in turban, sleeveless jacket, loose pantaloons. [See also: Selid Aga, Sultans Sowrd (sic) Bearer]. One of two small original watercolors of uniform figures. Janissary in turban, sleeveless jacket, loose pantaloons. [See also: Selid Aga, Sultans Sowrd (sic) Bearer]. Upright, one of 2 pieces, matted; margins; light soiling. N.Y., Rockman, 1954. Title supplied by cataloger.

Janissaire de Janina

Janissaire de Janina

Brown University

Hand colored engraved plate by A. Testa after Stackelberg; standing figure in military dress; numbered 1. From 'Costumes et Usages des Peuples de la Grèce Moderne'. Hand colored engraved plate by A. Testa after Stackelberg; standing figure in military dress; numbered 1. From 'Costumes et Usages des Peuples de la Grèce Moderne'. Small upright folio; margins intact; slightly yellowed. New York, Rockman Prints, 1949.

Janissaire aga

Janissaire aga

Brown University

One of a collection of 30 original watercolors of costume figures, including many showing military costume and court costume. Figure in fur-trimmed green coat with white plumed hat. One of a collection of 30 original watercolors of costume figures, including many showing military costume and court costume. Figure in fur-trimmed green coat with white plumed hat. Folio, unbound, in red cloth case, green leather backstrip stamped gold; clean.

Janishiri agassi tchokadari, Domestique du janissere aga

One of a collection of 30 original watercolors of costume figures, including many showing military costume and court costume. Figure in gold and black coat with dagger in sash. One of a collection of 30 original watercolors of costume figures, including many showing military costume and court costume. Figure in gold and black coat with dagger in sash. Folio, unbound; in red cloth case, green leather backstrip stamped gold; small crease at lower margin.

Jan Tzatzoe, Kafir of the Amakosah Tribe

Hand-colored stipple-engraving by J. Bull; half-length portrait in uniform, hatless. From Pritchard's 'Natural History of Man, comprising inquiries into the modifying influence of physical and moral agencies of the different tribes of the human family ', Plate XIX. Tzatzoe was a converted Christian chief, also known as Dyani Tshatshu, in what is now South Africa Hand-colored stipple-engraving by J. Bull; half-length portrait in uniform, hatless. From Pritchard's 'Natural History of Man, comprising inquiries into the modifying influence of physical and moral agencies of the different tribes of the human family ', Plate XIX. Tzatzoe was a converted Christian chief, also known as Dyani Tshatshu, in what is now South Africa Upright, matted; margins; yellowed. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1949.

Jämtlands Häst-Jägare Sqvadroner

From set of colored lithographic plates by Söderberg, of uniform figures; mounted jäger in dark green jacket, gray trousers, black shako, riding toward right. From set of colored lithographic plates by Söderberg, of uniform figures; mounted jäger in dark green jacket, gray trousers, black shako, riding toward right. On 8 large folio paper mounts, unbound; clean; cut apart and now in bloth cloth slipcase, russet leather label stamped gold "Söderberg. Kongl. Svenska Armée Uniformer. Stockholm, 1834". Paris, Paul Roulleau, 1968.

Jämtlands Fält-Jägare Regemente: (Skarpskyit)

From set of colored lithographic plates by Söderberg, of uniform figures; sharpshooter standing in profile, facing right, in dark green jacket, white trousers, shako, rifle slung under arm; mountain ridge, 2 more soldiers in background. From set of colored lithographic plates by Söderberg, of uniform figures; sharpshooter standing in profile, facing right, in dark green jacket, white trousers, shako, rifle slung under arm; mountain ridge, 2 more soldiers in background. On 8 large folio paper mounts, unbound; clean; cut apart and now in bloth cloth slipcase, russet leather label stamped gold "Söderberg. Kongl. Svenska Armée Uniformer. Stockholm, 1834". Paris, Paul Roulleau, 1968.

Jameson's Last Stand: Battle of Doornkop, January 2nd 1896

Color photogravure after Woodville; battle scene showing soldiers, with cannon and mounted officers, facing right, making last stand. Color photogravure after Woodville; battle scene showing soldiers, with cannon and mounted officers, facing right, making last stand. Large oblong folio, matted; margins intact; edges soiled and worn. London, Parker Gallery, 1960.

James, Lord Gambier Admiral of the Blue ...

One of a collection of 10 stipple engraved plates of bust and half-length naval portraits. Copied by W. Evans after Sir William Beechey, engraved by G. Bartolozzi; published Feb. 12, 1810. One of a collection of 10 stipple engraved plates of bust and half-length naval portraits. Copied by W. Evans after Sir William Beechey, engraved by G. Bartolozzi; published Feb. 12, 1810. Upright folio; some trimmed; some foxed.

James Napper Tandy Esqr. Captain of the Liberty Artillery &c. &c.

Engraving; full-length portrait in uniform, outdoors, leaning on cannon, hat in right hand, document in left titled 'Congress'. Engraving; full-length portrait in uniform, outdoors, leaning on cannon, hat in right hand, document in left titled 'Congress'. From the Hibernian Magazine, 1784. Tandy was chief of the 'United Irishmen' and general in the expedition against Ireland in 1798.

James Kenneth Douglas Mackenzie, 86th Royal Regiment, c. 1853

Original unsigned oval gouache; 3/4-length portrait in uniform of 86th Foot, right hand resting on table next to shako. Original unsigned oval gouache; 3/4-length portrait in uniform of 86th Foot, right hand resting on table next to shako. Mackenzie began his career as an ensign in 1851 rising to major in 1877. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1954. Title supplied by cataloger

James John Best, 34th Regiment

Original unsigned watercolor (by Dighton); full-length profile portrait in uniform, hat held in left hand by chin-strap, sword under arm. Original unsigned watercolor (by Dighton); full-length profile portrait in uniform, hat held in left hand by chin-strap, sword under arm. Small upright folio, matted; no margins; slightly soiled. London, Parker Gallery, 1758. Title supplied by cataloger