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

This Plate representing the Review of the Queen's Own Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry, on Kempsey-Ham, is most respectfu...

Color aquatint by Papprill after Pringle; perspective view of soldiers parading and drilling on country plain, spectators and carriages, men, women and children with picnic hampers in right in foreground, landscape background. Color aquatint by Papprill after Pringle; perspective view of soldiers parading and drilling on country plain, spectators and carriages, men, women and children with picnic hampers in right in foreground, landscape background. Depicts the review of the Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars on Kempsey Ham, near Worcester with the River Severn and the Malvern Hills in the background. New York, Harry H. Hymes, 1946.

This plate representing the inspection of the Loyal N--p--t Volunteers is most humbly inscribed by their greatly obli...

Hand-colored engraved caricature (by and) after Ticklepilcher (pseudonym) published April 9, 1894; militia review (Loyal Newport Corps of Infantry, Shropshire) with two officers greeting extremely obese commander arriving at left. Hand-colored engraved caricature (by and) after Ticklepilcher (pseudonym) published April 9, 1894; militia review (Loyal Newport Corps of Infantry, Shropshire) with two officers greeting extremely obese commander arriving at left. Small oblong folio, matted; plate mark, margins trimmed; slightly yellowed. London, Parker Gallery, 1958.

This picture written by Gungapurshad of Cehah Zilla Awazaresbag (?)

Original watercolor signed by Gungapurshad; jockey mounted at left, 2 mounted officers at right showing front and rear views, landscape background. Original watercolor signed by Gungapurshad; jockey mounted at left, 2 mounted officers at right showing front and rear views, landscape background. Small oblong folio, mounted on paper; narrow margins; clean. New York, Rockman Prints, 1955. title provided by cataloger

This one has a sad touch -- He might be seasick...

A Marine sits onboard a ship, his head resting in his arms along a line. A Marine sits onboard a ship, his head resting in his arms along a line. Title from typed label affixed to verso. 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. 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.

This Likeness of his most Excellent & venerable Majesty, King George the Third, in the fiftieth year of his Reign, is...

Color aquatint silhouette by J.C. Stadler after Rosenberg, published Oct. 1, 1810; profile equestrian portrait (head in silhouette) in uniform, riding toward left, Windsor Castle in background. [See also: The Prince Regent of Great Britain.] Color aquatint silhouette by J.C. Stadler after Rosenberg, published Oct. 1, 1810; profile equestrian portrait (head in silhouette) in uniform, riding toward left, Windsor Castle in background. [See also: The Prince Regent of Great Britain.] Upright folio, matted; plate mark, margins; slightly soiled. London, Parker Gallery, 1952.

This is ye grand military display

Original ink drawing (by T.M.?); militiamen's target shoot, showing humorous incidents. Original ink drawing (by T.M.?); militiamen's target shoot, showing humorous incidents. Oblong, matted folio; yellowed. Washington, DC, H. Williams, 1951.

This is what the average Marine looked like after fighting Iwo Jima, well-named "Suburb of Hell."

Head and shoulders portrait in profile of a tired Marine. Head and shoulders portrait in profile of a tired Marine. Title from typed label affixed to verso. 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.

This I sketched because it presents a fine example of the Jap's endurance.

A view of a camouflaged Japanese bunker, surrounded by vegetation and with a pair of boots lying in front of the entrance. A view of a camouflaged Japanese bunker, surrounded by vegetation and with a pair of boots lying in front of the entrance. Title from typed label affixed to verso. It continues: 'Being so small that the average man could never get half his body into it, and yet some Nip lived in close quarter in it; - probably curled-up like an animal. "During his haste in leaving, he did not find time to put his shoes back on!"' 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.

Third Red Cross Roll Call

Poster encourages viewers to give to the Red Cross. Poster encourages viewers to give to the Red Cross. Haskell Coffin. Printed in colors on white paper. Title superimposed on image of a Red Cross nurse with hands stretched out to viewers; she wears a white uniform, cap and veil. In lower left corner: cAmerican Red Cross.

Third Liberty Loan subscriber

Poster shows flag for subscribers to war loan. Poster shows flag for subscribers to war loan. Printed in dark and light blue and red on white paper. Below title illustration of red-bordered white flag with three vertical dark blue stripes and diagram of concentric circles with instructions for affixing a sticker for each subscriber. Intended for window display.

Third Foot Guards: Sergeant of Light Company, c. 1830

Watercolor (possibly by Samuel Eschauzier); Sergeant standing with rifle across front, sword in back. Watercolor (possibly by Samuel Eschauzier); Sergeant standing with rifle across front, sword in back. Upper right corner torn and missing. Title supplied by cataloger.

Third - the Prince of Wales's - Dragoon Guards

Original unsigned watercolor; mounted Dragoon Guards charging with raised swords. Original unsigned watercolor; mounted Dragoon Guards charging with raised swords. Upright folio, matted; no margins; upper corners rounded; from collection of Duke of Connaught. London, Parker Gallery, 1948.

Third - Prince of Wales's - Dragoon Guards

Colored lithographic plate; mounted officer figure, helmet in hand, smaller soldier figures in background near ruin. Colored lithographic plate; mounted officer figure, helmet in hand, smaller soldier figures in background near ruin. Upright folio, matted; margins trimmed close; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1949. Title provided by cataloger.

Think of tomorrow: buy War Bonds today

Original oil painting for poster, signed and dated "Pvt. Ardis Hughes '42"; 2 soldiers, 1 holding pipe, another lifting lighted match, looking at family photo. Original oil painting for poster, signed and dated "Pvt. Ardis Hughes '42"; 2 soldiers, 1 holding pipe, another lifting lighted match, looking at family photo. In wooden frame. Gift of the artist.

Things as they were, 1783: things as they are, 1823

Color lithograph by and after Ommanney, print by C. Hullmandel; 2 illustrations of sailor's and non-commissioned officer's uniforms of 1783 and 1823. Color lithograph by and after Ommanney, print by C. Hullmandel; 2 illustrations of sailor's and non-commissioned officer's uniforms of 1783 and 1823. Oblong folio, matted; margins intact; soiled.

Things as they were, 1757. Things as they are, 1827

Hand-colored engraved caricature after W. Heath; 2 illustrations of stout seaman of 1757 with sea-chest and of foppish midshipman of 1827 with box of toiletries. Hand-colored engraved caricature after W. Heath; 2 illustrations of stout seaman of 1757 with sea-chest and of foppish midshipman of 1827 with box of toiletries. Small oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; yellowed, somewhat worn. London, Parker Gallery.

Things as they Have Been Things as they Now Are: Dedicated without permission to all whom it may concern or please by...

Hand-colored engraved semi-political caricature by E. Niaws (pseudonym?) after Taw (Swaine), published May 5, 1815; standing figure of Lord Cochrane, half in uniform of naval captain and half in civilian dress, warship in background, orders, broken sword etc. on ground near high wall at right. Hand-colored engraved semi-political caricature by E. Niaws (pseudonym?) after Taw (Swaine), published May 5, 1815; standing figure of Lord Cochrane, half in uniform of naval captain and half in civilian dress, warship in background, orders, broken sword etc. on ground near high wall at right. Upright, matted; margins severely trimmed; clean. Title supplied by cataloger. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1949.

Thin French officer facing right

One of a collection of 8 original unsigned watercolor caricatures of officers, full-length. Tall, thin officer facing right. One of a collection of 8 original unsigned watercolor caricatures of officers, full-length. Tall, thin officer facing right. Upright; yellowed, slightly soiled; mounted in small folio album of light blue cloth, red leather label stamped gold "French Military Caricatures, c. 1850". Paris, 1956. Presented by Boris Ermoloff. Title supplied by cataloger.

Thieves robbing ready furnished lodgings, scene Madrid

Striding toward a "Lake of Blood," Joseph Bonaparte's face is etched with a worried expression echoed by his speech; "Where shall I fly; how shall I cross that Lake! Good Mr. Devil, save me." He is represented in profile and appears immune to the scene of violence and plunder that erupts all around him. While Joseph's crown falls from his head, he attempts to pull a blanket--labeled "Spanish Wool and Sundries taken from the Palace--late my Lodgings"--tighter across his shoulders. In addition, he carries a mitered crown tied to his shoulder and, from his waist, a golden crucifix and pouch labeled "Sly Bag" are obvious. Several winged demons circle around the image. One in particular, a large she-demon, addresses Joseph offering him a pistol or the gallows, and orders "Take your choice SON." Other demons offer poisonous cups, and those titled "Brethren" rain arrows down on Joseph's troops. Immediately behind Joseph, a Spanish officer falls, wounded, to the ground. Also, at the right border of the image, a woman and a child lie dead on the ground. These are the victims of the French troops whose musket fire is leveled at the Spanish citizens arriving to protect their church treasures from the plundering army. French troops carrying sacks of gold, church plate, dollars and other goods, march along the horizon line. Behind them, the "Reward of Merit," a large wooden gallows, acts as a sign post directing them on towards France on the "Road to Ruin." Striding toward a "Lake of Blood," Joseph Bonaparte's face is etched with a worried expression echoed by his speech; "Where shall I fly; how shall I cross that Lake! Good Mr. Devil, save me." He is represented in profile and appears immune to the scene of violence and plunder that erupts all around him. While Joseph's crown falls from his head, he attempts to pull a blanket--labeled "Spanish Wool and Sundries taken from the Palace--late my Lodgings"--tighter across his shoulders. In addition, he carries a mitered crown tied to his shoulder and, from his waist, a golden crucifix and pouch labeled "Sly Bag" are obvious. Several winged demons circle around the image. One in particular, a large she-demon, addresses Joseph offering him a pistol or the gallows, and orders "Take your choice SON." Other demons offer poisonous cups, and those titled "Brethren" rain arrows down on Joseph's troops. Immediately behind Joseph, a Spanish officer falls, wounded, to the ground. Also, at the right border of the image, a woman and a child lie dead on the ground. These are the victims of the French troops whose musket fire is leveled at the Spanish citizens arriving to protect their church treasures from the plundering army. French troops carrying sacks of gold, church plate, dollars and other goods, march along the horizon line. Behind them, the "Reward of Merit," a large wooden gallows, acts as a sign post directing them on towards France on the "Road to Ruin." [T.P.], published by [Walker]. Since the sheet in Brown's collection is not signed or dated, these attributions to both the engraver and the publisher are drawn from George's catalog. Broadley makes no attributions, instead labeling them as 'Anon.' 08-08-00 Dialogue: Large Winged Demon: "Take your choice SON" Smaller Demon: "Take this" Dying Spaniard: "Just Heaven Revenge our Cause." Dialogue: Joseph: "Where shall I Fly; how shall I cross that Lake! Good Mr Devil save me" Annotation: 43/2 Annotation: 1812 Annotation: THI, [23] [?] Collector's Mark: A

Thibetan, c.1830

Thibetan, c.1830

Brown University

13th in collection of 13 unsigned ink and watercolor drawings (by Lawson), copied from original documents in Foreign Office; standing figure of Tibetan soldier in long brown coat, blue scarf, holding pistol, facing left. 13th in collection of 13 unsigned ink and watercolor drawings (by Lawson), copied from original documents in Foreign Office; standing figure of Tibetan soldier in long brown coat, blue scarf, holding pistol, facing left. Unbound; clean; in red cloth portfolio, black leather label stamped gold "X.X.P. Lawson. Indian, Afghan and Thibetan State Troops, c.1830". London, Lawson, 1966.

They are fighting for liberty

Words by A. F. Dannic ; music by Marie R. Dannic. For voice and piano. Cover design after E.H. Pfeiffer showing allegorical figures of women symbolising Liberty and La France clasping hands, with vignette portraits of Perhsing and Lafayette above. Staff notation.

Thessalonus III

Thessalonus III

Brown University

2nd of 2 engravings of figures in military costume. 'Whole-length figure, holding a long sword in his left hand, part of his armour on the left, his coat of arms on the right, landscape background with a battle and a military camp. Intended for Aventinus, 'Icones Ducum Bavariae', unpublished (?). 1583' -- British Museum. 2nd of 2 engravings of figures in military costume. 'Whole-length figure, holding a long sword in his left hand, part of his armour on the left, his coat of arms on the right, landscape background with a battle and a military camp. Intended for Aventinus, 'Icones Ducum Bavariae', unpublished (?). 1583' -- British Museum. Folio; most engravings yellowed or trimmed close. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951. title provided by cataloger

These men have one of the most dangerous jobs during battle; yet so well do they know their work that their casualtie...

Original pen and ink and wash sketch, signed and dated by Reeks, of marines probing in the ground for mines. Original pen and ink and wash sketch, signed and dated by Reeks, of marines probing in the ground for mines. Title from typed label on verso. It continues: 'They are probing around for mines. In the left foreground can be seen an anti-personnel mine which has been marked. Just ahead of it is a mine in a wooden box which can't be located with a regular mine detector'. 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.

These fellows have thrown a smoke grenade into a cave full of Japs and stand ready for the kill if they come out.

Two Marines in the foreground stand ready. One looks back over his shoulder towards the viewer. Three other Marines are seen in the distance. Dead vegetation and smoke fills the space between the two groups. Two Marines in the foreground stand ready. One looks back over his shoulder towards the viewer. Three other Marines are seen in the distance. Dead vegetation and smoke fills the space between the two groups. Title from typed label affixed to verso. Also censor's stamp.

There's a service flag flying at our house

words by Thomas P. Hoier and Bernie Grossman ; music by Al. W. Brown. March for voice and piano. Caption title. Advertisement for "We're going over" and another song: p. [4] Cover illustration: drawing of soldiers marching in a parade / Starmer.

There's a proud noble flag

composed and arranged by O. Whittlesey, Principal Music, Vale Seminary, Salem, CT. Cover lithograph by Sarony, Major & Knapp: bust portrait of Lt. J.F. Maginnis. "Respectfully dedicated to Lieut. J.F. Maginnis, 18th Conn. Vol." "Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1863 by O. Whittlesey in ... Southern District of New York."

There's a long, long trail

written by Stoddard King ; composed by Zo Elliott. Caption title. "In G (d to d)"--Cover. For voice and piano. "Sung by Mr. John McCormack."--Cover. "The Witmark black and white series." First line of text: Nights are growing very lonely. First line of chorus: There's a long, long trail a-winding in to the land of my dreams. "Marching chorus, published by popular request"--P. 6. Advertisements: "Two sweetly melodious Southern songs" on p. [2]; "Beautiful sacred songs for church, home and concert use" on p. [7]; "The new national slogan song, Freedom for all forever" on p. [8]

Théologie à la Turque. - the pale of the Church of Mahomet

This print is one of a series Gillray published satirizing the French campaign in Egypt. In this image a Frenchman is carried by two Turks towards a large, menacing pike. Another Turkish figure stands behind the pike and gestures with his right hand towards the tip of the stake. In the background, a French soldier watches the scene from over his shoulder. This soldier rubs his backside with one hand while he places a turban on his head. His hat, exactly like the one worn by the next victim, is abandoned on the ground. His actions suggest that either he has just been "baptised" by the Turkish figures, or he is anticipating the execution of the Frenchman by impalement. The Frenchman holds a scroll of papers labeled "Le Prophet Demasque" in his left hand, and a book titled "L'Imposture de Mahomet" in his right. He is carried upright by one figure, who grasps his legs and the other who holds him under his arms. Following this small procession, a religious man reads from a book inscribed in capital letters "AL-KO-RAN." The sheet has been folded at the outer borders and has some stains and small, repaired tears. This print is one of a series Gillray published satirizing the French campaign in Egypt. In this image a Frenchman is carried by two Turks towards a large, menacing pike. Another Turkish figure stands behind the pike and gestures with his right hand towards the tip of the stake. In the background, a French soldier watches the scene from over his shoulder. This soldier rubs his backside with one hand while he places a turban on his head. His hat, exactly like the one worn by the next victim, is abandoned on the ground. His actions suggest that either he has just been "baptised" by the Turkish figures, or he is anticipating the execution of the Frenchman by impalement. The Frenchman holds a scroll of papers labeled "Le Prophet Demasque" in his left hand, and a book titled "L'Imposture de Mahomet" in his right. He is carried upright by one figure, who grasps his legs and the other who holds him under his arms. Following this small procession, a religious man reads from a book inscribed in capital letters "AL-KO-RAN." The sheet has been folded at the outer borders and has some stains and small, repaired tears. From: Egyptian Sketches Inscription: Pubd. March 12th, 1799, by H. Humphrey 27 St. James's Street. Printed Signature: Etched by Js. Gillray, from the Original Intercepted Drawing.