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 captive youth being brought before a mounted prince

Original unsigned miniature from a manuscript by a Mughal artist; captive youth brought by a bowman before mounted prince, other bowmen and courtiers looking on, including spearmen and kettle-drummer at upper right, rocky landscape background. Original unsigned miniature from a manuscript by a Mughal artist; captive youth brought by a bowman before mounted prince, other bowmen and courtiers looking on, including spearmen and kettle-drummer at upper right, rocky landscape background. Small upright folio, mounted on tan board, ornamental border; mount very foxed. London, Maggs, 1962. Title supplied by cataloger

A camp in Eng.: corrugated metal huts

Original colored pencil sketch by Cohen; view of Quonset huts in military camp. Original colored pencil sketch by Cohen; view of Quonset huts in military camp. Oblong, in manila folder; no margins; worn, creased, lower left corner torn.

A Calmuck

A Calmuck

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 private of Cossacks. 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 private of Cossacks. Upright, one of 3 matted together; margins severely trimmed; soiled. London, Spencer, 1953.

A cadet hop at West Point

Wood-engraved plate by and after Homer; ballroom scene. From Harper's Weekly, Sept. 3, 1859, page 568 Wood-engraved plate by and after Homer; ballroom scene. From Harper's Weekly, Sept. 3, 1859, page 568 Oblong folio, matted; margins intact. Hanover, N.H., Book & Print Shop, 1954.

A cadet hop at West Point

Color print reproduction of wood-engraved plate by and after Homer; ballroom scene. Color print reproduction of wood-engraved plate by and after Homer; ballroom scene. From Harper's Weekly, September 3, 1859, page 568. Hanover, N.H., Book & Print Shop, 1954.

A burial party saving the ashes from a cremated officer's body after the battle of Liao-Yang, to be sent back to Japa...

Unsigned original ink and wash drawing (by Douglas Macpherson?); Japanese soldiers and coolies around cremation site, small figures of soldiers in middle distance, landscape background. Unsigned original ink and wash drawing (by Douglas Macpherson?); Japanese soldiers and coolies around cremation site, small figures of soldiers in middle distance, landscape background. Oblong medium folio, matted; no margins; soiled. Drawing for illustrated newspaper (possibly Daily Graphic) London, Ifan Kyrle Fletcher, 1952

A Buckram

A Buckram

Brown University

Etched plate from book by and after Kay (later included in his A Series of Original Portraits and Caricature Etchings, published 1837-1838); full-length profile figure, walking, in broadcoat, ruffs and hat, carrying halberd and umbrella. Etched plate from book by and after Kay (later included in his A Series of Original Portraits and Caricature Etchings, published 1837-1838); full-length profile figure, walking, in broadcoat, ruffs and hat, carrying halberd and umbrella. Small upright, matted; margins trimmed. Acquired 1955.

A British officer of infantry

11th in album containing 39 crude watercolors of Austrian, British, French, Dutch, Swiss, Hesse-Cassel, Hess-Darmstadt, Hanoverian and Prussian uniforms, 1 miniature gouache port., 3 ink or pencil sketches; standing figure of British light infantryman, in scarlet coat, white trousers, blue facings, holding groundeded walking stick. 11th in album containing 39 crude watercolors of Austrian, British, French, Dutch, Swiss, Hesse-Cassel, Hess-Darmstadt, Hanoverian and Prussian uniforms, 1 miniature gouache port., 3 ink or pencil sketches; standing figure of British light infantryman, in scarlet coat, white trousers, blue facings, holding groundeded walking stick. Full calf tooled gold, brown leather back, no title; worn. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1959.

A British grenadier

A British grenadier

Brown University

8th in album containing 39 crude watercolors of Austrian, British, French, Dutch, Swiss, Hesse-Cassel, Hess-Darmstadt, Hanoverian and Prussian uniforms, 1 miniature gouache portrait, 3 ink or pencil sketches; standing figure of British grenadier, in scarlet jacket, white trousers, blue facings, holding grounded rifle. 8th in album containing 39 crude watercolors of Austrian, British, French, Dutch, Swiss, Hesse-Cassel, Hess-Darmstadt, Hanoverian and Prussian uniforms, 1 miniature gouache portrait, 3 ink or pencil sketches; standing figure of British grenadier, in scarlet jacket, white trousers, blue facings, holding grounded rifle. Full calf tooled gold, brown leather back, no title; worn. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1959.

A bivouack in safety, or Florida troops preventing a surprise

Colored lithograph by Robinson; U.S. soldiers relaxing with Native American girl, games etc. while row of dogs performs guard duty nearby. 'Another parody of Van Buren administration efforts to end the long and costly Second Seminole War in Florida. The War Department was regularly subjected to public and congressional attacks for cruelty, waste, and incompetence in its prosecution of the war. It drew especially heavy fire for the introduction of Cuban bloodhounds to hunt the Seminoles in early 1840. Several dandified soldiers lounge in a commodious tent as a corps of uniformed bloodhounds stand guard outside. Their standard says "Puppy Guard Sentinel." The soldiers are surrounded by luxury items like "Windsor Soap (soft)," cigars, and "eau de cologne," and one is fanned by an Indian woman. One soldier remarks, brushing his long hair, "I say Major, as we are in no danger of losing our scalps, we may as well put our Soap locks on the Peace Establishment." Another, playing chess, says, "Since our new Allies from Cuba have joined us, we can have a quiet game of Chess without any fear of a check from our red friends in the Swamp." An older, pipe-smoking soldier laments, "Ah! the Army is not what it was! Where's the Hero of Tippecanoe." (He refers to Whig presidential candidate William Henry Harrison.)' -- Library of Congress. Colored lithograph by Robinson; U.S. soldiers relaxing with Native American girl, games etc. while row of dogs performs guard duty nearby. 'Another parody of Van Buren administration efforts to end the long and costly Second Seminole War in Florida. The War Department was regularly subjected to public and congressional attacks for cruelty, waste, and incompetence in its prosecution of the war. It drew especially heavy fire for the introduction of Cuban bloodhounds to hunt the Seminoles in early 1840. Several dandified soldiers lounge in a commodious tent as a corps of uniformed bloodhounds stand guard outside. Their standard says "Puppy Guard Sentinel." The soldiers are surrounded by luxury items like "Windsor Soap (soft)," cigars, and "eau de cologne," and one is fanned by an Indian woman. One soldier remarks, brushing his long hair, "I say Major, as we are in no danger of losing our scalps, we may as well put our Soap locks on the Peace Establishment." Another, playing chess, says, "Since our new Allies from Cuba have joined us, we can have a quiet game of Chess without any fear of a check from our red friends in the Swamp." An older, pipe-smoking soldier laments, "Ah! the Army is not what it was! Where's the Hero of Tippecanoe." (He refers to Whig presidential candidate William Henry Harrison.)' -- Library of Congress. Oblong medium folio, matted; margins; soiled, bottom margin repaired. Presented, 1945, by Clarence Brigham, American Antiquarian Society.

A bivouac vision.: From the original painting by A.C. Havell

Color print after Havell; soldier asleep at bottom near campfire, 21 vignettes of various military, sporting and other adventures including hunting, elephants, camels, balloon, playing football, tigers, etc. Color print after Havell; soldier asleep at bottom near campfire, 21 vignettes of various military, sporting and other adventures including hunting, elephants, camels, balloon, playing football, tigers, etc. Large oblong folio, matted; margins intact; soiled. London, Parker Gallery, 1960.

A Bivouac of Saxon Hussars

One of a collection of 12 hand-colored engraved plates by and after Hull, most with manuscript titles in ink. Figures on horseback, on the ground and standing. One of a collection of 12 hand-colored engraved plates by and after Hull, most with manuscript titles in ink. Figures on horseback, on the ground and standing. Oblong, unbound; margins trimmed; soiled, worn and torn; in green cloth portfolio case, white leather label stamped gold. Berlin, Ordens-Sammlung, 1955.

A Bit of a Row in the East Every Cock on his own Dunghill or the legitimates come to the charge

Hand-colored etched caricature (by and after Heath), published May 15, 1822; Sultan and Tsar Alexander, each mounted, ready to fight over Moldavia and Walachia. Hand-colored etched caricature (by and after Heath), published May 15, 1822; Sultan and Tsar Alexander, each mounted, ready to fight over Moldavia and Walachia. Small oblong folio; margins; slightly soiled. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1964.

A bird's eye view

A bird's eye view

Brown University

Hand-colored etched caricature by Isaac Cruikshank after Heath; air view of various continents and oceans, showing battles, armies, ships, small figures and groups, etc. Hand-colored etched caricature by Isaac Cruikshank after Heath; air view of various continents and oceans, showing battles, armies, ships, small figures and groups, etc. Oblong medium folio; margins trimmed; clean, edges worn. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1968.

A Bilachi soldier of Sindh

One of 2 unsigned original watercolors; one showing standing figure in native uniform of long white tunic, blue pantaloons, tall red hat, musket, sword, shield. See also: Sindh soldiers. One of 2 unsigned original watercolors; one showing standing figure in native uniform of long white tunic, blue pantaloons, tall red hat, musket, sword, shield. See also: Sindh soldiers. Small upright, matted; margins trimmed unevenly; surface dirt. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1949.

A beau mentir qui vient du loin

Original unsigned semi-humourous sketch (by Bellangé); soldier telling tales to group around table outside village tavern. Original unsigned semi-humourous sketch (by Bellangé); soldier telling tales to group around table outside village tavern. Large oblong, mounted on white paper, matted; no margins. New York, Rockman Prints, 1963.

A Battle fatigued or injured Marine, Iwo Jima

A Marine stands with his rifle in one hand, his other hand raised to his head. He appears to be injured or battle fatigued. A Marine stands with his rifle in one hand, his other hand raised to his head. He appears to be injured or battle fatigued. 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.

A Battalion Twenty of the West Middlesex Rifle Volunteers

Wood-engraved plate; group portrait in uniform, standing near shed; short text on verso. Wood-engraved plate; group portrait in uniform, standing near shed; short text on verso. From the Illustrated London News, October 3, 1863. London, Wakeman Hill, 1952.

A 4th Dragoon Guard

A 4th Dragoon Guard

Brown University

1st in set of 3 hand-colored engraved plates (crude); mounted dragoon decapitating enemy in combat. [See also: An 11th Light Dragoon and A 17th Light Dragoon]. 1st in set of 3 hand-colored engraved plates (crude); mounted dragoon decapitating enemy in combat. [See also: An 11th Light Dragoon and A 17th Light Dragoon]. Matted; margins trimmed; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1958.

A 17th Light Dragoon

A 17th Light Dragoon

Brown University

3rd in set of 3 hand-colored engraved plates (crude); mounted dragoon decapitating enemy in combat. [See also: A 4th Dragoon Guard; and An 11th Light Dragoon]. 3rd in set of 3 hand-colored engraved plates (crude); mounted dragoon decapitating enemy in combat. [See also: A 4th Dragoon Guard; and An 11th Light Dragoon]. Matted; margins trimmed; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1957.

A "liberal" surrender --"any thing to beat Grant".

Wood-engraving. In the center is a cannon marked "Cincinnati Convention" manned by Senators Thomas Tipton, Reuben Fenton, and Lyman Trumbull. It faces the forces of Grant (smoking a cigar under the flag on the far left) heading their way, with a cannon bearing the words the Republican "Philadelphia Convention." A pair of defecting Republicans scramble for cover. on the left. Standing on the wall of a fort is Carl Schurz, founder of the Liberal Republican Party waving a white flag which reads, 'Truce. We surrender anything to beat Grant.' Horace Greeley stands next to him blowing a trumpet, which is upside down. A newspaper in his pocket reads 'What I know about blowing.' Climbing over the wall, on the right, is group bearing the flag of 'Democratic Party, Seymour Blair'. Behind them to the right are men representing the Ku Klux Klan, Copperheads, Slavery, the Confederate States of America, and the Tammany Ring. Attempting to scale the rampart is Nathan Bedford Forrest, while at the lower wall are lower right is Jefferson Davis, Frank Blair and presidential nominee Horatio Seymour. Inside the fortification, ex-President Andrew Johnson creeps out from under the tent in the far right foreground. The tent at lower left has figures of (left-right) Trumbull, Tipton, and Schurz caricatured on its panels. Wood-engraving. In the center is a cannon marked "Cincinnati Convention" manned by Senators Thomas Tipton, Reuben Fenton, and Lyman Trumbull. It faces the forces of Grant (smoking a cigar under the flag on the far left) heading their way, with a cannon bearing the words the Republican "Philadelphia Convention." A pair of defecting Republicans scramble for cover. on the left. Standing on the wall of a fort is Carl Schurz, founder of the Liberal Republican Party waving a white flag which reads, 'Truce. We surrender anything to beat Grant.' Horace Greeley stands next to him blowing a trumpet, which is upside down. A newspaper in his pocket reads 'What I know about blowing.' Climbing over the wall, on the right, is group bearing the flag of 'Democratic Party, Seymour Blair'. Behind them to the right are men representing the Ku Klux Klan, Copperheads, Slavery, the Confederate States of America, and the Tammany Ring. Attempting to scale the rampart is Nathan Bedford Forrest, while at the lower wall are lower right is Jefferson Davis, Frank Blair and presidential nominee Horatio Seymour. Inside the fortification, ex-President Andrew Johnson creeps out from under the tent in the far right foreground. The tent at lower left has figures of (left-right) Trumbull, Tipton, and Schurz caricatured on its panels. From Harper's Weekly, May 11, 1872, page 364. Hanover, N.H., Book & Print Shop, 1955.

9th Regiment. Facings bright yellow, officers lace silver

18th in collection of 140 watercolor drawings by Lawson, of uniform figures and details, copied from pattern-book of 1768; drawing of yellow and white oblong uniform patch, with black stripe. 18th in collection of 140 watercolor drawings by Lawson, of uniform figures and details, copied from pattern-book of 1768; drawing of yellow and white oblong uniform patch, with black stripe. Unbound; in 1/4 red morocco and red cloth case st. gold; clean.

9th Regiment

9th Regiment

Brown University

17th in collection of 140 watercolor drawings by Lawson, of uniform figures and details, copied from pattern-book of 1768; standing infantryman in red coat, white trousers, mustard and black facings, with shouldered rifle. 17th in collection of 140 watercolor drawings by Lawson, of uniform figures and details, copied from pattern-book of 1768; standing infantryman in red coat, white trousers, mustard and black facings, with shouldered rifle. Unbound; in 1/4 red morocco and red cloth case st. gold; clean.

9th Queen's Royal Lancers, 1906

Original watercolor on gray paper signed and dated by J.O.C.; mounted uniform figure with upraised sword. Original watercolor on gray paper signed and dated by J.O.C.; mounted uniform figure with upraised sword. Upright, matted; margins; clean. Title supplied by cataloger. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.

9th Queen's Royal Lancers

Original unsigned watercolor by Wymer; mounted uniform figure, rear view, on brown horse charging toward left. Original unsigned watercolor by Wymer; mounted uniform figure, rear view, on brown horse charging toward left. Square, matted together with 1 other; no margins; clean. title provided by cataloger

9th Queen's Royal Lancers

Original watercolor signed by Wymer; 2 standing uniform figures, holding riding crops. Original watercolor signed by Wymer; 2 standing uniform figures, holding riding crops. Square, matted together with 1 other; no margins; clean. title provided by cataloger

9th Queen's Lancers, Marching Order 1877

Original watercolor signed by Simkin and dated 1877. Mounted uniform figure facing right, painted on green paper. Original watercolor signed by Simkin and dated 1877. Mounted uniform figure facing right, painted on green paper. Small oblong; matted; clean. Title supplied by cataloger. London, Parker Gallery.

9th New York Volunteers (Hawkins' Zouaves). Private, 1861

One of a collection of 24 watercolors of New York Zouaves uniforms. Figure in blue with red trim facing left and holding rifle. One of a collection of 24 watercolors of New York Zouaves uniforms. Figure in blue with red trim facing left and holding rifle. Unbound; in 1/2 black leather and blue cloth case stamped gold. Berlin, Knötel, 1950.

9th New York Volunteers (Hawkins' Zouaves). Colonel, full dress, 1861

One of a collection of 24 watercolors of New York Zouaves uniforms. Figure in blue with white plumed hat and sword. One of a collection of 24 watercolors of New York Zouaves uniforms. Figure in blue with white plumed hat and sword. Unbound; in 1/2 black leather and blue cloth case stamped gold. Berlin, Knötel, 1950.

9th Lt. Dragoons, c. 1806-08

Seventh of 24 watercolor copies after originals by Dighton; front view of 9th Light Dragoons Seventh of 24 watercolor copies after originals by Dighton; front view of 9th Light Dragoons