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

A private of the 7th or Queens' own L.D. (Hussars)

One of 34 aquatint proofs (?) partially tinted and captioned in ink (by Smith?). Trooper charging with sabre drawn One of 34 aquatint proofs (?) partially tinted and captioned in ink (by Smith?). Trooper charging with sabre drawn Folio, unbound; in red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold "C. H. Smith. Costume of the British Army. Original Drawings"; soiled, worn, plate mark. Bedford, Peter Young, 1950.

A Private of the 5th West India Regiment

One of 34 aquatint proofs (?) partially tinted and captioned in ink (by Smith?). Soldier standing at ease, another in background talking to boatman; ships and boats anchored in distance One of 34 aquatint proofs (?) partially tinted and captioned in ink (by Smith?). Soldier standing at ease, another in background talking to boatman; ships and boats anchored in distance Folio, unbound; in red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold "C. H. Smith. Costume of the British Army. Original Drawings"; soiled, worn. Bedford, Peter Young, 1950.

A Private of the 2d or Royal North British Dragoons, (Greys)

One of 34 aquatint proofs (?) partially tinted and captioned in ink (by Smith?). Mounted trooper holding carbine, another trooper behind. One of 34 aquatint proofs (?) partially tinted and captioned in ink (by Smith?). Mounted trooper holding carbine, another trooper behind. Folio, unbound; in red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold "C. H. Smith. Costume of the British Army. Original Drawings"; soiled, worn. Bedford, Peter Young, 1950.

A Private of the 1st or King's Dragoon Guards

Aquatint by J.C. Stadler, 'etched by C.H.S.', published March 1st, 1812; mounted uniform figure with sword raised, riding toward right on rearing horse. Aquatint by J.C. Stadler, 'etched by C.H.S.', published March 1st, 1812; mounted uniform figure with sword raised, riding toward right on rearing horse. Upright; margins entirely trimmed away; clean. From 'Costume of the Army of the British Empire, according to the last regulations', 1814, published by Colnaghi. Title provided by cataloger.

A private of Cossacks

A private of Cossacks

Brown University

One of a series of 6 (of 20?) color engraved plates copied, with variations, apparently from "Abbildung der russisch Kaiserlichen Hilfstruppen welche im Monathe December 1798 in der Gegend von Brünn gelagert waren", published by Mollo, Vienna; each shows single figure in uniform or military costume, outdoors and has manuscript caption. [See also: a Russian Musketier, a Grenadier, an officer of Grenadiers, an officer of Cossacks, a Calmuck.] One of a series of 6 (of 20?) color engraved plates copied, with variations, apparently from "Abbildung der russisch Kaiserlichen Hilfstruppen welche im Monathe December 1798 in der Gegend von Brünn gelagert waren", published by Mollo, Vienna; each shows single figure in uniform or military costume, outdoors and has manuscript caption. [See also: a Russian Musketier, a Grenadier, an officer of Grenadiers, an officer of Cossacks, a Calmuck.] Oblong, matted; margins severely trimmed, soiled. London, Spencer, 1953.

A prince of Immeretis

A prince of Immeretis

Brown University

Unsigned watercolor, probably copied from a costume book; standing figure in military dress with slung rifle, daggers at waist. Unsigned watercolor, probably copied from a costume book; standing figure in military dress with slung rifle, daggers at waist. Upright; margins; slightly soiled. New York, Rockman Prints, 1948.

A precious little thing called love: song

by Lou Davis and J. Fred Coots. For voice and piano, with chord symbols and ukulele chord diagrams. "Theme song for the Paramount production 'The shopworn angel' with Gary Cooper & Nancy Carroll"--Cover. Caption title. Illustrated title page by Leff with photo of Gary Cooper and Nancy Carroll.

A practice march in Texas

Hand colored halftone plate after Remington, colored by C.R. Wilmott; soldiers with field equipment on training march. Hand colored halftone plate after Remington, colored by C.R. Wilmott; soldiers with field equipment on training march. From Harper's Weekly, 1896. Toronto, C.R. Wilmott, 1955.

A portrait

A portrait

Brown University

Hand-colored engraving (by Rowlandson), published January 10th, 1812; full-length semi-caricature portrait of Ernest Augustus, King of Hanover as Duke of Cumberland, out taking a walk in countryside, in civilian dress, holding viewing-glass to eye, Kew Gardens and a view of a pagoda in the background. Hand-colored engraving (by Rowlandson), published January 10th, 1812; full-length semi-caricature portrait of Ernest Augustus, King of Hanover as Duke of Cumberland, out taking a walk in countryside, in civilian dress, holding viewing-glass to eye, Kew Gardens and a view of a pagoda in the background. Upright; margins trimmed; clean. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1964.

A political fair

A political fair

Brown University

Using a motif well established in caricature, (see for example, William Hogarth's "Southwark Fair"), Cruikshank represents the issues and difficulties of European politics in terms of the bustle and confusion of busy fairground entertainment. In this complex image, various European countries occupy booths on high platforms and vie for the attention of the fair-going crowds. Spectators gather around the wooden decks and listen to the harangues of the hucksters who try to drum up business for their causes. Below the platforms, grotesque customers crowd around food vendors and wolf down the offerings. Among these stands are advertisements for "Boney's Imperial Gingerbread," "Roast Beef Gratis at this Booth," "German Sour Crout with French Sauce," "German Sausage," and "Hot Prussian Cakes." Using a motif well established in caricature, (see for example, William Hogarth's "Southwark Fair"), Cruikshank represents the issues and difficulties of European politics in terms of the bustle and confusion of busy fairground entertainment. In this complex image, various European countries occupy booths on high platforms and vie for the attention of the fair-going crowds. Spectators gather around the wooden decks and listen to the harangues of the hucksters who try to drum up business for their causes. Below the platforms, grotesque customers crowd around food vendors and wolf down the offerings. Among these stands are advertisements for "Boney's Imperial Gingerbread," "Roast Beef Gratis at this Booth," "German Sour Crout with French Sauce," "German Sausage," and "Hot Prussian Cakes." Published by Thomas Tegg, 1807-10-01. British Museum, BM 10763. Caption: Lodon Pubd Octor 1st 1807 b Thos Tegg 111 Cheapside Dialogue: Customer: "I don't like this King Master Boney." Dialogue: Napoleon: "I never change Mynheer after the goods are taken out of the shop." Printed Signature: George Woodward, del. Labels: "Russian Booth. This day will be presented the comedy of 'The Double Dealer' to which will be added a new Burletta called 'The Bear in Leading Strings' the music principally French." "Danish Booth. The English Fleet and the Devil to Pay." "Sweedish Booth. Blind Bargain and Hob in the Well." "Westphalia Booth. Wife and no Wife with Jerry Sneak in his Glory." "The Best Booth in the Fair. John Bull and Company. 'The Englishmans Fire Side,' and the' Wooden Walls of Old England.' Principal Characters by, John Bull, Baddy Bull, Ben Black, &c." "Austrian Booth" "Spanish Booth. 'All's Well that ends Well,' with the Padloc..." "American Booth. 'Much Ado About Nothing' with The Deserter." "Prussian Booth. 'Tis well tis no Worse,' with The Poor Soldier." "Boney's Imperial Gingerbread. Gingerbread Kings and Queens Wholesale and Retail. Now is your time to purchase."

A Polish Lancer

A Polish Lancer

Brown University

Hand-colored engraving; mounted lancer, galloping toward left, landscape background; uniform incorrectly shown. Hand-colored engraving; mounted lancer, galloping toward left, landscape background; uniform incorrectly shown. Oblong folio, matted; plate mark, margins trimmed; slightly soiled, small repaired tears.

A Piper, the Royal Irish Fusiliers

Colored lithograph by and after Cotterell; standing uniform figure of piper in foreground, smaller uncolored figures in other uniforms in background, outdoors. Colored lithograph by and after Cotterell; standing uniform figure of piper in foreground, smaller uncolored figures in other uniforms in background, outdoors. Small upright folio, matted; margins intact; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1960.

A perspective view of the parade in St. James's Park (variant)

Hand-colored copper-engraving by and after Maurer; perspective view of Horse Guards, showing small figures of marching cavalry and infantry formations, buildings in background. Hand-colored copper-engraving by and after Maurer; perspective view of Horse Guards, showing small figures of marching cavalry and infantry formations, buildings in background. Oblong folio, matted; margins severely trimmed; worn. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1951. subtitle provided by cataloger

A perspective view of the new buildings at the Horse Guards

Engraving; view of elevation on parade ground, showing detachment of Horse Guards with trumpeter, also promenaders, in foreground. Engraving; view of elevation on parade ground, showing detachment of Horse Guards with trumpeter, also promenaders, in foreground. Narrow small oblong folio, in white board mount; margins trimmed close; creased. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1959.

A Perspective View of the Execution of Lord Ferrers at Tyburn May 5th, 1760, for the murder of his steward

Hand-colored etching [printed for Robt Wilkinson, 56 Cornhill]; view of gallows with military guard and surrounded by ring of cavalry, spectators in foreground and in grandstands at sides. Hand-colored etching [printed for Robt Wilkinson, 56 Cornhill]; view of gallows with military guard and surrounded by ring of cavalry, spectators in foreground and in grandstands at sides. Small oblong folio, matted; margins severely trimmed; slightly soiled. London, Parker Gallery, 1951.

A Perspective View of David Loudon's Bunn House at Chelsey

Hand-colored engraving after Hogarth; elevation of colonnaded building, arms, figures etc. above, including 2 grenadiers in uniform. Hand-colored engraving after Hogarth; elevation of colonnaded building, arms, figures etc. above, including 2 grenadiers in uniform. Oblong medium folio, matted; plate mark, margins intact; clean. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1954.

A Perspective view of Coxheath Camp representing a Grand Review of the Army

Hand-colored engraving by W. Walker after O'Neil; mounted officers and cavalrymen in foreground, infantry formations under review, tent encampments etc. on plain in background. Hand-colored engraving by W. Walker after O'Neil; mounted officers and cavalrymen in foreground, infantry formations under review, tent encampments etc. on plain in background. For the Westminster Magazine (August 1778) London, Parker Gallery, 1965.

A Perspective View of an Encampment

Hand-colored engraving, numbered 52; view of tent encampment in countryside, showing soldiers, lady guests, women cooking, child, laundry hanging over ridge-poles of tents. Hand-colored engraving, numbered 52; view of tent encampment in countryside, showing soldiers, lady guests, women cooking, child, laundry hanging over ridge-poles of tents. Oblong folio, matted; plate mark, margins trimmed; clean. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1952.

A peep into Saldanha Bay, or, Dutch perfidy rewarded

Hand-colored etching after Issac Cruikshank published November 7, 1796. 'A short fat Dutchman stands full-face; his pipe falls from his mouth, coins drop from his breeches pockets. His tall hat, full of coins, is held by an English sailor (left) who bends towards him, directing a squirt of tobacco-juice at his face. On the right is another sailor, who seizes a wretched, ragged Frenchman, holding him by a cloth round the neck, and threatening him with a clenched fist. The Dutchman says: "Between John Bull, & the French Republic poor Mynheer will be Robbed of all. D------n the Scheldt." The sailor on the right says: "come come Mynheer the Republicans must not have all the money, we must have a little Handaway d'ye see." The Frenchman, who stands in profile to the left, knees bent, hands clasped, his bonnet-rouge falling from his head, says to his assailant, "by Gar Mynheer has got all de money." On the extreme left is a post or scraggy palm-tree in a tub, inscribed 'Tree of Liberty'; up this a monkey is climbing, while another, chained to it, tries to reach the coins at the feet of the sailor. The background is a low fortification with a cannon in an embrasure' -- British Museum Hand-colored etching after Issac Cruikshank published November 7, 1796. 'A short fat Dutchman stands full-face; his pipe falls from his mouth, coins drop from his breeches pockets. His tall hat, full of coins, is held by an English sailor (left) who bends towards him, directing a squirt of tobacco-juice at his face. On the right is another sailor, who seizes a wretched, ragged Frenchman, holding him by a cloth round the neck, and threatening him with a clenched fist. The Dutchman says: "Between John Bull, & the French Republic poor Mynheer will be Robbed of all. D------n the Scheldt." The sailor on the right says: "come come Mynheer the Republicans must not have all the money, we must have a little Handaway d'ye see." The Frenchman, who stands in profile to the left, knees bent, hands clasped, his bonnet-rouge falling from his head, says to his assailant, "by Gar Mynheer has got all de money." On the extreme left is a post or scraggy palm-tree in a tub, inscribed 'Tree of Liberty'; up this a monkey is climbing, while another, chained to it, tries to reach the coins at the feet of the sailor. The background is a low fortification with a cannon in an embrasure' -- British Museum A Dutch force of 2,000 troops, conveyed by six warships, sent to recapture the Cape of Good Hope, capitulated to Elphinstone's squadron on 17 Aug. 1796, while sheltering in Saldanha bay, north of Cape Town Long narrow folio. New York, Walter Schatzki, 1964. 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/)

A patrol outside Suakim, December '83

Unsigned watercolor showing troop of hussars riding across rough terrain. From a collection of 28 watercolors and drawings by Saumarez Unsigned watercolor showing troop of hussars riding across rough terrain. From a collection of 28 watercolors and drawings by Saumarez Oblong medium folio. Stow-on-the-Wold, Christopher Clarke, 2011. 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/)

A Patrol of Saxon Hussars

One of a collection of 12 hand-colored engraved plates by and after Hull, most with manuscript titles in ink. Figure on brown horse watching another figure trying to control his white horse. One of a collection of 12 hand-colored engraved plates by and after Hull, most with manuscript titles in ink. Figure on brown horse watching another figure trying to control his white horse. Oblong, unbound, soiled; in green cloth portfolio case, white leather label stamped gold. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1952.

A Patrol of Saxon Cuirassiers

One of a collection of 12 hand-colored engraved plates by and after Hull, most with manuscript titles in ink. Figure on horseback next to another figure standing near horse drinking from river. One of a collection of 12 hand-colored engraved plates by and after Hull, most with manuscript titles in ink. Figure on horseback next to another figure standing near horse drinking from river. Oblong, unbound; yellowed and soiled; in green cloth portfolio case, white leather label stamped gold. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1952.

A Patrol of Cossacks on the Upper Yalu River

Halftone plate from magazine after Remington; rear view of party of Cossacks riding across snowy plain, mountains in background. Halftone plate from magazine after Remington; rear view of party of Cossacks riding across snowy plain, mountains in background. Cover of Collier's Weekly, March 5, 1904. Providence, James Tyson, 1956.

A Party of Life Guards

A Party of Life Guards

Brown University

Color lithograph by C. Hullmandel (after Géricault); uniform group, outdoors, 2 dismounted in foreground. Color lithograph by C. Hullmandel (after Géricault); uniform group, outdoors, 2 dismounted in foreground. Oblong folio, matted; margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1949.

A part of the Battle of Shiloh, fought on the morning of April 6th 1862: Drawn from nature & published by Wm. F. Mann...

Lithograph by Max Rosenthal after Mann, printed by L.N. Rosenthal; attack on tent encampment, mounted officers in right foreground. Lithograph by Max Rosenthal after Mann, printed by L.N. Rosenthal; attack on tent encampment, mounted officers in right foreground. Oblong medium folio; margins intact; yellowed. New York, Argosy, 1955.

A parliamentary toast

A parliamentary toast

Brown University

Hand-colored etched caricature (after Rowlandson), published March 2nd, 1809; guards officers at table, one at right standing to propose toast to Mrs. Clarke. Hand-colored etched caricature (after Rowlandson), published March 2nd, 1809; guards officers at table, one at right standing to propose toast to Mrs. Clarke. Oblong medium folio; margins trimmed; yellowed. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1971.

A Pandour from Croatia: A province of Hungary which supplies the Emperor with the bravest hardiest and most ferocious...

3rd in collection of 1 colored and 4 uncolored (including 1 duplicate) aquatint and engraved plates, published July 1st, 1794, after James Gillray. 'A Croatian militia man with a long moustach standing looking away to left, left hand on the sheath of the sabre hanging from his waist, right at his hip, wearing a light suit, open at the throat, ankle boots, pistols, dagger and hanging powder horn at his waist belt, a tall conical hat with an oval pin and oak leaves; with another man sitting smoking in front of one of several tents in the background to left' -- British Museum 3rd in collection of 1 colored and 4 uncolored (including 1 duplicate) aquatint and engraved plates, published July 1st, 1794, after James Gillray. 'A Croatian militia man with a long moustach standing looking away to left, left hand on the sheath of the sabre hanging from his waist, right at his hip, wearing a light suit, open at the throat, ankle boots, pistols, dagger and hanging powder horn at his waist belt, a tall conical hat with an oval pin and oak leaves; with another man sitting smoking in front of one of several tents in the background to left' -- British Museum Small upright folio, matted folio and small folio; plate marks on some, all margins trimmed; clean. Leichtenstein-Hauslab Collection, 1951. Title supplied by cataloger

A Pandour Collonel. A Pandour Ensign. A Pandour Collonel watch master

One of a pair of copper engraved outdoor groups by and after Müller; Pandour Collonel colored; [see also Wallachian Tolpatch]. Nos. 3 and 6 of series (of 6?) One of a pair of copper engraved outdoor groups by and after Müller; Pandour Collonel colored; [see also Wallachian Tolpatch]. Nos. 3 and 6 of series (of 6?) Small oblong folio; margins trimmed close; slightly yellowed. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1949.

A pair of specticles easely seen through

A lively skeleton (l.), wearing a noose around his wrist, dances mockingly in front of Napoleon (r.), who frowns and orders the vision to go away. The skeleton points to his eye sockets indicating that soon Napoleon will have a new set of 'spectacles' to see from. Behind Napoleon, at the right of the sheet, a group of British soldiers patiently wait under a scaffold. A lively skeleton (l.), wearing a noose around his wrist, dances mockingly in front of Napoleon (r.), who frowns and orders the vision to go away. The skeleton points to his eye sockets indicating that soon Napoleon will have a new set of 'spectacles' to see from. Behind Napoleon, at the right of the sheet, a group of British soldiers patiently wait under a scaffold. Published by Thomas Tegg, 1815-06-17. Sheet is not listed in the British Museum catalog. This image, published after Napoleon's exile to Elba, falls into the tradition of the many other prints that imagine Napoleon's death on a scaffold. See, for example, Broadley 54 and Broadley 340.. Caption: Pub ... 1815 by T. Tegg Cheapside London

A Page of Honour to the King, 1912

Original watercolor signed by Simkin; standing uniform figure, holding hat. Original watercolor signed by Simkin; standing uniform figure, holding hat. Upright folio, matted; margins; slightly soiled.