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

Cité Universitaire - Paris

Original ink and watercolor sketch on green notebook paper, signed by artist; 4 male and female soldiers, seen from behind, seated having drinks at small outdoor table, white picket fence in background. Original ink and watercolor sketch on green notebook paper, signed by artist; 4 male and female soldiers, seen from behind, seated having drinks at small outdoor table, white picket fence in background. Oblong; no margins; clean.

Circassian warrior

Circassian warrior

Brown University

One of a pair of chromolithographic plates by C. Parsons after van Lennep; standing figures in uniform or military costume, outdoor backgrounds with smaller figures. One of a pair of chromolithographic plates by C. Parsons after van Lennep; standing figures in uniform or military costume, outdoor backgrounds with smaller figures. Upright folio; margins. New York, Harry H. Hymes, 1945.

Circassian Polka

Circassian Polka

Brown University

Original unsigned watercolor for cover illustration of 'D'Albert's Circassian Polka', lithographed by P.S. Duval & Co. with movable flap to show 2 headdresses; Schamyl, full-length in military costume, standing by horse, warriors in concealment in right background. Original unsigned watercolor for cover illustration of 'D'Albert's Circassian Polka', lithographed by P.S. Duval & Co. with movable flap to show 2 headdresses; Schamyl, full-length in military costume, standing by horse, warriors in concealment in right background. Medium upright folio; narrow margins; some spotting. New York, Rockman Prints, 1961.

Cioco de barattini al Molo

One of a collection of 4 color lithograph plates by Cuciniello e Bianchi from Raccolta dell diverse vestiture delle provincie del regno di Napoli of uniform figures, street scenes, showing uniform and costume. This one of infantry and grenadier soldiers, along with civilians, watching outdoor marionette show. One of a collection of 4 color lithograph plates by Cuciniello e Bianchi from Raccolta dell diverse vestiture delle provincie del regno di Napoli of uniform figures, street scenes, showing uniform and costume. This one of infantry and grenadier soldiers, along with civilians, watching outdoor marionette show. Oblong medium folio, matted; margins; yellowed and spotted. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1949.

Cinquième et dernier tour de passe-passe, ou, le Grand Escamoteur escamote

In the center of the image, the Duke of Wellington stands behind a table covered with green baize. For his conjuring trick, Wellington the magician,will make Napoleon disappear under the silver cup he holds in his right hand. Napoleon, reduced in size, scurries around the table looking for a place of safety. However, the bare table, littered with overturned cups symbolizing earlier attempts to trap the French emperor, offers no such place. The cups are inscribed, from left to right, beginning with the cup held in Wellington's left hand: Mont St. Jean, Disparais; Leipzic, Rien; Moskou, Rien; Espagne, Rien; Egypte, Rien. The scene takes place on the coast of the Mediterranean. In the left distance a ship, labeled Bellerophon, sails toward the rocky cliffs of the Ile St. Helene, located on the far right border of the image. In the center of the image, the Duke of Wellington stands behind a table covered with green baize. For his conjuring trick, Wellington the magician,will make Napoleon disappear under the silver cup he holds in his right hand. Napoleon, reduced in size, scurries around the table looking for a place of safety. However, the bare table, littered with overturned cups symbolizing earlier attempts to trap the French emperor, offers no such place. The cups are inscribed, from left to right, beginning with the cup held in Wellington's left hand: Mont St. Jean, Disparais; Leipzic, Rien; Moskou, Rien; Espagne, Rien; Egypte, Rien. The scene takes place on the coast of the Mediterranean. In the left distance a ship, labeled Bellerophon, sails toward the rocky cliffs of the Ile St. Helene, located on the far right border of the image. Sheet is not signed or dated. According to Clerc, this caricature was engraved by Elie, and went on sale in July and/or August of 1815. Caption: Déposé a la Direction Générale

Cimbalier de la musique du Régt. des Gardes Françses. en grand uniforme

One of a collection of 16 hand-colored engraved plates of uniform figures after Hoffmann. Figure in red, white and blue and with plumed hat, holding cymbals. Two figures in background. One of a collection of 16 hand-colored engraved plates of uniform figures after Hoffmann. Figure in red, white and blue and with plumed hat, holding cymbals. Two figures in background. Upright folio, soiled, unbound; in 1/4 blue morocco and blue decorated board slip-case stamped gold "N. Hoffmann - French uniforms, 1775-1788". Paris, Bihn, 1950.

Cimbalier de la musique de Rént. des Gardes Francaises

One of a collection of 16 hand-colored engraved plates of uniform figures after Hoffmann. Figure in red and blue with plumed hat holding cymbals. One of a collection of 16 hand-colored engraved plates of uniform figures after Hoffmann. Figure in red and blue with plumed hat holding cymbals. Upright folio, yellowed and stained, unbound; in 1/4 blue morocco and blue decorated board slipcase stamped gold "N. Hoffmann - French uniforms, 1775-1788". New York, Rockman Prints, 1949.

Cier. Franches du Voltigeurs Abbruzzais 1807

9th in set of 100 numbered signed watercolors of uniform figures by Boisselier; standing figure of soldier in light gray uniform, yellow trim, one foot lifted on rock, holding rifle. 9th in set of 100 numbered signed watercolors of uniform figures by Boisselier; standing figure of soldier in light gray uniform, yellow trim, one foot lifted on rock, holding rifle. Unbound; in 1/4 blue leatherette and marble board portfolio lettered gold on back "Armée de Naples", and with original tempera painting of trophies on cover; clean. Paris, Cart, 1951.

Ci-devant occupations -- or -- Madame Talian and the Empress of Josephine dancing naked before Barrass in the winter ...

British Museum catalogue: "In the center of the design the two women dance, veiled by transparent drapery which is framed by a heavy festooned curtain. On the [left], in full light, sits Barras, lolling tipsily in an ornate armchair. On the [right], in shadow, Bonaparte lifts the curtain to stare intently at Josephine. The women are naked, except for gartered stockings,slippers, bracelets, and barbaric ear-rings." This is an uncolored version of the print. British Museum catalogue: "In the center of the design the two women dance, veiled by transparent drapery which is framed by a heavy festooned curtain. On the [left], in full light, sits Barras, lolling tipsily in an ornate armchair. On the [right], in shadow, Bonaparte lifts the curtain to stare intently at Josephine. The women are naked, except for gartered stockings,slippers, bracelets, and barbaric ear-rings." This is an uncolored version of the print. Pub'd Feb'y 20th 1805. by H. Humphrey St James's Street London. British Museum catalogue: "A grossly libellous satire based on the facts of Napoleon's infatuation with Josephine in 1796 when she and Mme Tallien were protegées of Barras, and the command of the Army of Italy which he obtained through Barras as a result of his marriage in 1796." Caption: Barrass (then in Power) being tired of Josephine, promissed Buonaparte a promotion, on condition that he would take her off his hands; -- Barrass had, as usual, drank freely, & placed Buonaparte behind a Screen, while he amused himself with these two Ladies, who were then his humble dependents, -- Madame Talian is a beautiful Woman, tall & elegant; -- Josephine is smaller & thin, with bad Teeth, something like Cloves, -- it is needless to add that Buonaparte accepted the Promotion & the Lady, -- now, -- Empress of France! Inscription: Egypt; Commission pour Buonaparte, Barrass Inscription: Messalina Label(s): Burgundy; Mareschino

Chute de l'Empire: troisième proclamation de la République

Celebration of the proclamation of the Third Republic Celebration of the proclamation of the Third Republic "Le 4 Septembre 1870, à la nouvelle de la honteuse capitulation de Sédan, le peuple se porte au Corps lêgislatif, puis à l'Hôtel-de-Ville, où la proclamation de la République es accueillie par le plus vif enthousiasme" Oblong folio; matted

Chute d'avion

Chute d'avion

Brown University

Original wash drawing signed and dated bottom left: 'E. van Muyden 1915'; French hussar patrol galloping past burnt farmhouse to reach burning airplane plummeting in left background. Original wash drawing signed and dated bottom left: 'E. van Muyden 1915'; French hussar patrol galloping past burnt farmhouse to reach burning airplane plummeting in left background. Oblong folio; margins intact; clean. New York, Rockman Prints, 1964.

Churmärk Landw. Cavallerie 1813

15th in collection of 19 mounted unsigned original watercolors of uniform figures ca. 1808-1843 (not contemporary), with descriptions in German and French below. Profile view of mounted lancer in royal blue uniform, outdoors, facing right. 15th in collection of 19 mounted unsigned original watercolors of uniform figures ca. 1808-1843 (not contemporary), with descriptions in German and French below. Profile view of mounted lancer in royal blue uniform, outdoors, facing right. Small folio, unbound; in blue cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. Paris, Grangié sale, 1967.

Churfüstlich Bayerische Cavallerie

1st in collection of 9 original watercolor and gouache drawings (for 'Charakteristische Darstellung der vorzüglichsten europäischen Militairs'), this one signed by Ballinger; 3 standing uniform figures of cavalrymen in conversation outdoors, rear view of mounted figure in background left. 1st in collection of 9 original watercolor and gouache drawings (for 'Charakteristische Darstellung der vorzüglichsten europäischen Militairs'), this one signed by Ballinger; 3 standing uniform figures of cavalrymen in conversation outdoors, rear view of mounted figure in background left. Unbound, in portfolio; margins; some margins scratched. titles provided by cataloger, from handwritten notes on verso

Churfürstlich Sächsische Infanterie

4th in collection of 9 original watercolor and gouache drawings (for 'Charakteristische Darstellung der vorzüglichsten europäischen Militairs'), this one signed by Ballinger; 3 uniform figures of infantry officers in white, assembled troops in background right. 4th in collection of 9 original watercolor and gouache drawings (for 'Charakteristische Darstellung der vorzüglichsten europäischen Militairs'), this one signed by Ballinger; 3 uniform figures of infantry officers in white, assembled troops in background right. Unbound, in portfolio; margins; some margins scratched. titles provided by cataloger, from handwritten notes on verso

Churfürstlich Bayerische Infanterie & Cavallerie Ao. 1803

Hand-colored engraved plate, numbered 80, with 2 illustrations of 14 figures in uniform. Hand-colored engraved plate, numbered 80, with 2 illustrations of 14 figures in uniform. Upright; mounted together with other prints in blue cloth loose-leaf album, no title; margins trimmed; colors smeared, soiled. New York, Walter Schatzki, 1947.

Church sculpture, August 2, 1944

Unsigned ink and wash drawing; interior of a church with statues. Ink manuscript description bottom right Unsigned ink and wash drawing; interior of a church with statues. Ink manuscript description bottom right Contreras served with the 603rd Engineer Camouflage Battalion, part of the 23d Headquarters Special Troops (the so-called 'Ghost Army'). Upright medium folio. Gift of Rosa Elena Bland (acc. 2018). Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Church promotion, or, How to scale a pulpit!

Hand-colored etched caricature (after I. Cruikshank?), published Febry. 25, 1809; Mrs. Clarke at left and Duke of York, in uniform, at right, each holding ladder for preacher, Reverend O'Meara, to climb up to pulpit. Hand-colored etched caricature (after I. Cruikshank?), published Febry. 25, 1809; Mrs. Clarke at left and Duke of York, in uniform, at right, each holding ladder for preacher, Reverend O'Meara, to climb up to pulpit. Upright medium folio; margins; yellowed. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1964.

Church parade: Lieut. Col. Grenadier Guards--1855

One of a pair of original unsigned watercolors (by Sharpe?); standing uniform figures, Lt.-Col. also showing small sketch of rear of uniform. One of a pair of original unsigned watercolors (by Sharpe?); standing uniform figures, Lt.-Col. also showing small sketch of rear of uniform. Small upright folio; margins; slightly soiled. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1949.

Church and graveyard, France, 1944

1 water-color signed and dated 'Arthur Singer, 44'; view of church and cemetery 1 water-color signed and dated 'Arthur Singer, 44'; view of church and cemetery Singer served with the 603rd Engineer Camouflage Battalion, part of the 23d Headquarters Special Troops (the so-called 'Ghost Army'). Small oblong folio. Gift of Paul and Alan Singer, 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/)

Churbaÿerischer Ingenieur Officier u. Officier u. Gem. der Artillerie. 1780

One of a collection of 5 original watercolor drawings by Behringer of uniform groups. Two soldiers talking to each other, other soldiers in field in background. One of a collection of 5 original watercolor drawings by Behringer of uniform groups. Two soldiers talking to each other, other soldiers in field in background. Small, unbound; in blue cloth slipcase, white leather label stamped gold "Behringer. Bavarian Uniforms. 1760-99". N.Y., Rockman, 1951.

Christoph Hirschel, Corporal, und Carl Klösch, Gemeiner vom zweyten Garnisons Regiment. Diese zwey braven Männer habe...

One of a series of 12 colored engraved plates of military and battle scenes by A. Bartsch after Kininger, interleaved with 12 uncolored impressions of same series. Soldiers on foot in battle with swords, cannon in left background. From series: Heroic deeds of Austrian soldiers, plate 4. One of a series of 12 colored engraved plates of military and battle scenes by A. Bartsch after Kininger, interleaved with 12 uncolored impressions of same series. Soldiers on foot in battle with swords, cannon in left background. From series: Heroic deeds of Austrian soldiers, plate 4. Folio; 1/2 red cloth and red morocco stamped gold "Kininger und Bartsch - Züge der Tapferkeit K.K. Soldaten"; margins trimmed; slightly yellowed. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951.

Christoph Hirschel, Corporal, und Carl Klösch, Gemeiner vom zweyten Garnisons Regiment. Diese zwey braven Männer habe...

One of a series of 12 colored engraved plates of military and battle scenes by A. Bartsch after Kininger, interleaved with 12 uncolored impressions of the same series. Uncolored battle scene. From series: Heroic deeds of Austrian soldiers, plate 4. One of a series of 12 colored engraved plates of military and battle scenes by A. Bartsch after Kininger, interleaved with 12 uncolored impressions of the same series. Uncolored battle scene. From series: Heroic deeds of Austrian soldiers, plate 4. Folio; 1/2 red cloth and red morocco stamped gold "Kininger und Bartsch - Züge der Tapferkeit K.K. Soldaten"; margins trimmed. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951.

Christoph Burchard, Graff von Münch, Russische Kaiserlicher General Feld Marschal

Copper-engraving by Johann Trautner, numbered 2; equestrian portrait with baton in hand, facing left, battle in background. Copper-engraving by Johann Trautner, numbered 2; equestrian portrait with baton in hand, facing left, battle in background. Small upright folio, matted; plate mark, margins slightly trimmed; clean. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951.

Christoff Wittiwer / Hauptman über ein Fendlin Burger

1st in suite of 10 wood-engraved plates; mounted officer on white horse, and 4 pikemen in black and blue uniforms, moving toward right. From: 'Ordenliche Beschreibung des Christlichen, Hochlöblichen vnd Fürstlichen Beylags oder Hochzeit...', Wien, 1571, in honor of the wedding of Archduke Charles and Maria of Bavaria in 1571. 1st in suite of 10 wood-engraved plates; mounted officer on white horse, and 4 pikemen in black and blue uniforms, moving toward right. From: 'Ordenliche Beschreibung des Christlichen, Hochlöblichen vnd Fürstlichen Beylags oder Hochzeit...', Wien, 1571, in honor of the wedding of Archduke Charles and Maria of Bavaria in 1571. Oblong folio, unbound; in red cloth slipcase, white leather label stamped gold. New York, H.P. Kraus, 1952.

Christianus, Quintus, Rex Daniae

3rd in collection of 11 copper-engraved military portraits by Schenck; king in uniform, left hand on hip, holding baton or map case upright on top of marble cornice, next to hat. 3rd in collection of 11 copper-engraved military portraits by Schenck; king in uniform, left hand on hip, holding baton or map case upright on top of marble cornice, next to hat. Small, unbound; in maroon cloth portfolio case, red leather label stamped gold; clean.

Christianus VI Dahiae et Norwegiae Rex

Engraving by G.P. Busch; full-length portrait in part armor and court robe, regalia on table at left. Engraving by G.P. Busch; full-length portrait in part armor and court robe, regalia on table at left. Small upright folio, mounted on white board, margins trimmed. New York, Rockman Prints, 1962.

Christianus Quintus D.G. Daniae Norvegiae etc. Rex Haereditarius

Engraving by Alb. Halweg; bust portrait in armor, castle in right distance, in oval enframement. Engraving by Alb. Halweg; bust portrait in armor, castle in right distance, in oval enframement. Upright folio; plate mark, margins; edges worn. New York, Rockman Prints, 1973.

Christianus III. D.G. Rex Daniae, Norweg: Vandal: et Gothor: Dux Slesv. Holat. storm. et Dithmars. Comes in Oldenburg...

Engraving by Sysang; half-length portrait in armor and plumed hat, sceptre in right hand, in oval enframement with arms below. Engraving by Sysang; half-length portrait in armor and plumed hat, sceptre in right hand, in oval enframement with arms below. Small upright folio; plate mark, margins trimmed; somewhat soiled. New York, Rockman Prints, 1962.