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

The Vision of Nantes or the Patriotick Attack of the Troops National

Hand-colored etched caricature after Cruikshank. 'In the foreground (left) is the quarter-deck of a small vessel, on which six French soldiers with ferocious gestures are taking down the British flag; a hump-backed soldier has climbed the flagstaff, and crouches with drawn sword, saying, "oh by Gar I was on de Pinnicle of my Glory". Through his ragged breeches issues the word 'Commandant'. In the lower left corner of the design is the head of an English sailor, saying, "that sweet little Cherub that sits up aloft (cf. BMSat 7677) he will shortly come wap on his Back". Two men bite the flag. Another, very emaciated, says, "aha Monr Angloise we was Men Enough (40.000) to take de whole fleet". Two other soldiers peer over the edge of the vessel. The ship is in harbour, behind her is another (English) vessel whose flag is being removed and sails furled. A British sailor stands in a boat on the extreme right, shouting, "avast Bougres well teach you to take 2 Merchant ships for a fleet of Men of War again". On the horizon are buildings inscribed 'Nantes'. Across the sky is etched 'Rehearsal' -- British Museum Hand-colored etched caricature after Cruikshank. 'In the foreground (left) is the quarter-deck of a small vessel, on which six French soldiers with ferocious gestures are taking down the British flag; a hump-backed soldier has climbed the flagstaff, and crouches with drawn sword, saying, "oh by Gar I was on de Pinnicle of my Glory". Through his ragged breeches issues the word 'Commandant'. In the lower left corner of the design is the head of an English sailor, saying, "that sweet little Cherub that sits up aloft (cf. BMSat 7677) he will shortly come wap on his Back". Two men bite the flag. Another, very emaciated, says, "aha Monr Angloise we was Men Enough (40.000) to take de whole fleet". Two other soldiers peer over the edge of the vessel. The ship is in harbour, behind her is another (English) vessel whose flag is being removed and sails furled. A British sailor stands in a boat on the extreme right, shouting, "avast Bougres well teach you to take 2 Merchant ships for a fleet of Men of War again". On the horizon are buildings inscribed 'Nantes'. Across the sky is etched 'Rehearsal' -- British Museum Oblong medium folio, print, matted; plate mark, margins trimmed; clean. New York, Rockman Prints, 1953. Caption: London Pub July 20, 1791 by S. Fores No 3 Piccadilly

The Village of Pombal in flames, as evacuated by the French Army under Marshal Massena, & the advance of the Allied A...

7th in suite of 12 mounted aquatint plates of battles, military and camp scenes, views (by C. Turner after St. Clair); scene of valley with burning town in distance, British army in foreground on wooded hillocks, approaching; hills in background. 7th in suite of 12 mounted aquatint plates of battles, military and camp scenes, views (by C. Turner after St. Clair); scene of valley with burning town in distance, British army in foreground on wooded hillocks, approaching; hills in background. Folio, unbound in maroon cloth portfolio, red leather label st. gold "St. Clair Peninsular Campaign - 1810"; titles and margins trimmed away; clean. From 'A Series of Views of the Principal Occurrences of the Campaigns in Spain and Portugal'. London, Francis Edwards, 1945.

The village of Alma on day after the battle September 21th, 1854

One of 7 watercolors (by Bush), inscribed on card below; landscape view of town burning in distance across plain; dead man, tree and cannonballs in foreground. One of 7 watercolors (by Bush), inscribed on card below; landscape view of town burning in distance across plain; dead man, tree and cannonballs in foreground. Lieut. Henry Stratton Bush of the 41st Welsh Regt. of Foot was at the Alma and the siege of Sebastopol--per dealer. Oblong folio, matted; no margins; clean. Stow-on-the-Wold, Christopher Clarke Antiques, 2009

The victory polka

The victory polka

Brown University

Subject: view of battle; T. Packer delt & lith; Stannard & Dixon, imp. Subject: view of battle; T. Packer delt & lith; Stannard & Dixon, imp. Pr. 3/- Title continues: The victory of Inkermann by Henri Laurent.

The victorious Italian army who conquered Gorizia, Ermada, Monte Sano, approaching Trieste

Chromolithograph, after Melina; Italian bersaglieri and cavalry charging up over hillside and overcoming Austrians in foreground, warships in harbor with air battle above in background. Chromolithograph, after Melina; Italian bersaglieri and cavalry charging up over hillside and overcoming Austrians in foreground, warships in harbor with air battle above in background. Oblong folio, matted; margins intact; clean. N.Y., Weyhe, 1943.

The Viceroy's band march

Subject: Equestrian portrait of Viceroy in uniform followed by cavalry; lithographed by C. Clark. Subject: Equestrian portrait of Viceroy in uniform followed by cavalry; lithographed by C. Clark. Title continues: Composed & dedicated to His Imperial Majesty The Viceroy of Egypt, by J. Pridham. Pr. 3/-

The Viceroy of Egypt

The Viceroy of Egypt

Brown University

1 page; 1 wood engraved illustration in text of half-length military portrais of Abbas Pacha. 1 page; 1 wood engraved illustration in text of half-length military portrais of Abbas Pacha. From Gleason's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion, May 1, 1852, page 284. New York, Milton L. Bernstein, 1946.

The vetrans petition!!

The vetrans petition!!

Brown University

Hand-colored etched caricature (after Rowlandson), published Septr. 16th, 1800; parson reading paper to peg-legged veteran in uniform at right. Hand-colored etched caricature (after Rowlandson), published Septr. 16th, 1800; parson reading paper to peg-legged veteran in uniform at right. Upright medium folio, matted; margins trimmed; yellowed. Hamburg, Schulz, 1955.

The Veldslag bij Waterloo, den 18 Juny 1815. Op het Oogenblik, waarin zyne Koninklyke Hoogheyd. de Prins van Oranje, ...

Color aquatint (proof) by and after Langendijk; panoramic view of battle, wounded Prince of Orange being assisted from horse in left center foreground; Dutch arms at bottom. Key with 11 persons and places absent. Color aquatint (proof) by and after Langendijk; panoramic view of battle, wounded Prince of Orange being assisted from horse in left center foreground; Dutch arms at bottom. Key with 11 persons and places absent. Large oblong folio, matted; margins and caption trimmed; edges worn. Title supplied by cataloger. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1954.

The Vedette, Royal Horse Guards, Scots Fusilier Guards, Chobham 1854

One of series of original watercolors signed by Norie; one mounted and one standing uniform figure meeting on country road. One of series of original watercolors signed by Norie; one mounted and one standing uniform figure meeting on country road. Oblong small folio, matted; no margins; small repaired tear in upper left corner. London, Spencer, 1952. Title supplied by cataloger

The Vedette, Royal Horse Guards, Chobham Camp 1854

One of series of original watercolors signed by Norie; mounted uniform figures standign guard beside tent encampment, 4 smaller figures of soldiers in background. One of series of original watercolors signed by Norie; mounted uniform figures standign guard beside tent encampment, 4 smaller figures of soldiers in background. Oblong small folio, matted; no margins; slightly spotted. London, Parker Gallery. Title supplied by cataloger

The valley of the shadow of death

Napoleon (center) walks through the "Valley of Death," menaced on all sides by the wrath of his enemies. He stands with his sword drawn and bloody; its edge has been dulled and damaged by the battles he has fought. His hat has fallen off his head and his expression registers terror. Emblems of Rome, Turkey, and Prussia appear in the sky above and rain fire and lightning down upon him. He is also attacked from below by "lesser" animals that creep out of the "Lethian Ditch" that borders the foreground of the image. Reinish Rats, Dutch Frogs, an American Rattlesnake and a Prussian Scarecrow all symbolize countries that had been diminished by the Napoleonic conflict. Behind Napoleon, the Ditch of Styx forms another border to the valley. As he walks through the valley Napoleon is attacked by the British Lion, the Russian Bear and the Sicilian Terrier. The figure of Death (left) on the back of a mule decorated with livery, on which is inscribed "True Royal Spanish Breed," leaps across the "Ditch of Styx." In it, Joseph Bonaparte drowns. Death, accompanied by the Portuguese Wolf, holds an hourglass tight in his left hand, and in his right he carries a flaming lance, aimed at Napoleon. While the allied countries are represented as strong opponents, the uprising in Spain and Portugal was a decisive blow to Napoleon's campaign. Napoleon (center) walks through the "Valley of Death," menaced on all sides by the wrath of his enemies. He stands with his sword drawn and bloody; its edge has been dulled and damaged by the battles he has fought. His hat has fallen off his head and his expression registers terror. Emblems of Rome, Turkey, and Prussia appear in the sky above and rain fire and lightning down upon him. He is also attacked from below by "lesser" animals that creep out of the "Lethian Ditch" that borders the foreground of the image. Reinish Rats, Dutch Frogs, an American Rattlesnake and a Prussian Scarecrow all symbolize countries that had been diminished by the Napoleonic conflict. Behind Napoleon, the Ditch of Styx forms another border to the valley. As he walks through the valley Napoleon is attacked by the British Lion, the Russian Bear and the Sicilian Terrier. The figure of Death (left) on the back of a mule decorated with livery, on which is inscribed "True Royal Spanish Breed," leaps across the "Ditch of Styx." In it, Joseph Bonaparte drowns. Death, accompanied by the Portuguese Wolf, holds an hourglass tight in his left hand, and in his right he carries a flaming lance, aimed at Napoleon. While the allied countries are represented as strong opponents, the uprising in Spain and Portugal was a decisive blow to Napoleon's campaign. Inscription: Publih'd Septr. 24th 1808 by H. Humphrey 27 St. James's Street London. Printed Signature: Js. Gillray invt. & ft. Label(s): Dreadful Descent of ye Roman Meteor. The Turkish New-Moon Rising in Blood. The Spirit of Charles ye XII. The Imperial Eagle emerging from a Cloud. Label(s): The Rhinish Confederation of starved Rats, crawling out of the Mud. Dutch Frogs spitting out their Spite. American Rattle Snake shaking his Tail. Prussian Scare-crow attempting to Fly.

The vacant chair, or, We shall meet, but we shall miss him: (Thanksgiving, 1861)

words by H.S.W. ; music by Geo. F. Root. For voice and piano, with chorus refrain. "Eighteenth Thousand." Advertisements for Root & Cady's later publications on p. [2] and Circular list of circulating publications by Root & Cady on p. [6] First line of text: We shall meet, but we shall miss him. First line of chorus: We shall meet, but we shall miss him. Foster Hall Collection cutter no.: AS211.1. Cover wood-engraved design of scrolls, foliage, etc. enclosing oval title and 5 vignettes of wartime scenes.

The US Marines on the way to Guam

Marines reclining and sitting on the deck of a troop transport ship. Marines reclining and sitting on the deck of a troop transport ship.

The universal toast: Bonaparte and peace forever

Hand-colored aquatint caricature; party of assorted national types, some in semi-military or naval costume, raising glasses around a table. Hand-colored aquatint caricature; party of assorted national types, some in semi-military or naval costume, raising glasses around a table. Oblong folio; plate mark, margins trimmed close; somewhat soiled. Camden, Me., Staack, 1960.

The United States Marine Corps (28th Regiment, 5th Division) attack on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, February 21, 1945

Original egg tempera painting on board, by Baldwin; battle scene, soldiers in dugout firing gun, others in adjacent trench; smoke, tanks in background, mountain in distance. Original egg tempera painting on board, by Baldwin; battle scene, soldiers in dugout firing gun, others in adjacent trench; smoke, tanks in background, mountain in distance. After training at Pendleton Field, Oregon, in aerial and ground photography, Baldwin served with the 20th U.S. Air Force as public relations photographer and artist. Stationed on Iwo Jima, he later covered the surrender of Japanese forces in Tokyo Bay, August, 1945. In wooden frame. Gift of the artist, 1994.

The United States Infantry march

Composed for the band of the Independent Blues, and dedicated to Capt. Solomon Hillen, by Geo. F. Cole. Cover lith. ill by Penniman of infantry man planting flag on rocky ledge, military trophies in foreground.

The United States Infantry march

Composed for the band of the Independent Blues, and dedicated to Capt. Solomon Hillen, by Geo. F. Cole. Cover lith. ill by Penniman of infantry man planting flag on rocky ledge, military trophies in foreground.

The United Service waltz

Subject: goddess on pedestal holding wreaths over shoulders of soldier and sailor at right and left; W. Godfrey, del., T. Packer, lith. Subject: goddess on pedestal holding wreaths over shoulders of soldier and sailor at right and left; W. Godfrey, del., T. Packer, lith. Title continues: Composed for the piano-forte by A.F. Godfrey, (Bandmaster of the Coldstream Guards). By the same author, The United Service Quadrille. Pr. 4/-

The United Service quadrille

Subject: oval enframement containing battle honors for Inkerman, Nile, Alma, Waterloo, St. Vincent, Trafalgar, Copenhagen., Sebastopol, with army and navy flags and small portraits of the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales; T. Packer Lith, Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Subject: oval enframement containing battle honors for Inkerman, Nile, Alma, Waterloo, St. Vincent, Trafalgar, Copenhagen., Sebastopol, with army and navy flags and small portraits of the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales; T. Packer Lith, Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Title continues: by A. F. Godfrey.

The United Service galop

composed for the pianoforte by A.F. Godfrey. Bandmaster of the Coldstream Guards (Author of the popular United Service Quadrille) Cover title. For piano (4 hands) Cover lithographic color illustration by G. Didit, printed by Stannard & Dixon: humorous scene of soldier and sailor seated back to back on a galloping horse, tents in background, mountain and water. 'Robert Cocks & Co.'s List of Recent Publications'--page [8]

The United Rifle Corps' Quick-Step

For piano. Dedicated to Capt. Edwd. H. Grant. Composed for the Piano Forte by William F. Van Beek. T. Sinclair's lith. Philada. For piano. Dedicated to Capt. Edwd. H. Grant. Composed for the Piano Forte by William F. Van Beek. T. Sinclair's lith. Philada.

The United Nations ... for war and for peace: a fanciful assemblage of the heads of state of the United National ... ...

Published in the May 1, 1942 issue of Vogue. First row, left: King George II of Greece, Grand Duchess Charlotte, W. Mackenzie King, Chiang Kai-shek, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Queen Wilhelmina, and General Tiburcio Carias Andino of Honduras. Second row, from left: King Haakon VII of Norway, King Peter II of Yugoslavia, John Curtin of Australia, Peter Frasier of New Zealand, Wladyslaw Sikorski of Poland, Hubert Pierlot of Belgium, Eduard Benes of Czechoslovakia, Jan C. Smuts of South Africa, Fulgencio Batista of Cuba, Anastasio Somoza of Nicaragua, the marquess of Linlothgow, Elie Lescot of Haiti, Ricardo Adolfo de la Guardia of Panama, Manuel de Jesus Tronosco de la Concha of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Guardia of Costa Rica, Maximiliano H. Martinez of El Salvador, Jorge Ubico of Guatemala, and Charles de Gaulle of France'. -- Library of Congress.

The Union volunteer

The Union volunteer

Brown University

Color lithograph by Currier & Ives; soldier upholding U.S. flag and trampling C.S.A. flag while also waving sword. Color lithograph by Currier & Ives; soldier upholding U.S. flag and trampling C.S.A. flag while also waving sword. Upright medium folio; margins; yellowed, stained, soiled, repaired tear. New York, Harry H. Hymes, 1947.

The unfortunate Major André

Engraving; bust portrait in uniform and cocked hat in oval enframement with angel below inscribing his name on the book of fame. Engraving; bust portrait in uniform and cocked hat in oval enframement with angel below inscribing his name on the book of fame. Upright, matted; plate mark, margins intact; slightly soiled. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1948.

The Unfortunate Death of Major Andre (Adjutant General to the English Army) ay Head Quarters in New York, Octr. 2, 17...

4th in collection of 4 copper-engraving plates, this one by Goldar after Hamilton; scene of public hanging of British officer by American forces. 4th in collection of 4 copper-engraving plates, this one by Goldar after Hamilton; scene of public hanging of British officer by American forces. Engraved for Barnard's new complete & authentic History of England. N.Y., Argosy, 1954.