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 Sultan

The Sultan

Brown University

Chromolithograph; full-length portrait in uniform, standing near writing-table with secretary and aide in left background. Chromolithograph; full-length portrait in uniform, standing near writing-table with secretary and aide in left background. Upright, matted; margins trimmed; soiled. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1958.

The Suffolk Yeomanry: The Duke of York's Own Loyal Suffolk Hussars

Original watercolor signed and dated by Wymer; 6 individual mounted and standing uniform figures of hussars. Original watercolor signed and dated by Wymer; 6 individual mounted and standing uniform figures of hussars. Upright folio, matted; no margins; stained. Title provided by cataloger. London,, Parker Gallery, 1973.

The Suffolk Regt.: 12th Foot

Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; standing figure of infantryman with grounded rifle and hand on hip; note on verso : "no. 47, third set of 6". Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; standing figure of infantryman with grounded rifle and hand on hip; note on verso : "no. 47, third set of 6". Upright folio on board, unbound, in red portfolio stamped gold, "Original oil paintings for British regimental prints c. 1900-1910".

The Suffolk regiment

The Suffolk regiment

Brown University

20th in collection of 61 tempera drawings on board, signed, and most dated, by McNeill, for Gale and Polden postcard series of uniform figures and groups (all infantry regiments and RAMC units shown except the following, for which drawings were either not made or else are now lacking : 1st, 4th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 37th, 38th, 52nd, 64th, 75th); infantryman in red jacket standing at attention on path, officer in dark blue uniform, carrying saber, walking toward left; note on verso: "12th". 20th in collection of 61 tempera drawings on board, signed, and most dated, by McNeill, for Gale and Polden postcard series of uniform figures and groups (all infantry regiments and RAMC units shown except the following, for which drawings were either not made or else are now lacking : 1st, 4th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 37th, 38th, 52nd, 64th, 75th); infantryman in red jacket standing at attention on path, officer in dark blue uniform, carrying saber, walking toward left; note on verso: "12th". Oblong and upright, 61 pieces; a few soiled; in folio red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Suffolk Regiment

The Suffolk Regiment

Brown University

Original watercolor sketch signed and dated by McNeill; officer in dark blue coat walking past infantryman standing at attention, outdoors. (On oblong sheet, right half unpainted; title on verso.) Original watercolor sketch signed and dated by McNeill; officer in dark blue coat walking past infantryman standing at attention, outdoors. (On oblong sheet, right half unpainted; title on verso.) Oblong folio; no margins; clean.

The successful fortune-hunter, or Captain Shelatee leading Miss Marrowfat to the Temple of Hymen

Hand-colored etched caricature by and after Rowlandson, dated 1802; tall Irishman walking across the Crescent in Bath with short, ugly woman, a chair-man gapes in astonishment, while a gouty old man on crutches behind them looks sourly. Hand-colored etched caricature by and after Rowlandson, dated 1802; tall Irishman walking across the Crescent in Bath with short, ugly woman, a chair-man gapes in astonishment, while a gouty old man on crutches behind them looks sourly. Upright folio, matted; plate mark, margins intact; worn, soiled. London, Spencer, 1955.

The strongest

The strongest

Brown University

Photogravure after Matania, dated Sept 15, 1915; German soldier looking at small boy with his mother; another soldier standing by horse, ruined building on left. Photogravure after Matania, dated Sept 15, 1915; German soldier looking at small boy with his mother; another soldier standing by horse, ruined building on left. Upright folio; margins intact; soiled, torn. London, David Cohen Fine Art, 1993.

The stretcher-bearers: (design for the Belgian Red Cross)

One of a collection of 26 lithographs on paper by Pryse, all signed in pencil, lower right; two women walking with wounded soldiers and stretcher bearers One of a collection of 26 lithographs on paper by Pryse, all signed in pencil, lower right; two women walking with wounded soldiers and stretcher bearers Oblong folio. N.Y., Argosy, 2010.

The story of the wounded soldier

American soldier bandaging a wounded comrade; others listening to his story. Charcoal drawing signed and dated lower right L. Jonas Juin 1918. American soldier bandaging a wounded comrade; others listening to his story. Charcoal drawing signed and dated lower right L. Jonas Juin 1918. Upright folio.

The storming of the Citadel of Antwerp

Hand-colored aquatint; French artillery, infantry etc. in foreground advancing on walls and fortifications of city under bombardment in background. Hand-colored aquatint; French artillery, infantry etc. in foreground advancing on walls and fortifications of city under bombardment in background. Small oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; slightly soiled. London, Parker, 1965.

The Storming of St. Sebastian, Augt. 31st 1813: Humbly Dedicated to Lord Lyndock & the Officers who so gallantly gain...

2nd in collection of 4 color aquatints by Sutherland, Havell after Laird, published June 4th, 1836; British infantry storming fortress on promontory in background. 2nd in collection of 4 color aquatints by Sutherland, Havell after Laird, published June 4th, 1836; British infantry storming fortress on promontory in background. Large oblong folio, matted; some margins trimmed; clean. From 'I.W. Laird's Military Achievements'. London, Parker Gallery, 1965.

The Storming of St. Sebastian, Augt. 31st 1813: Humbly Dedicated to Lord Lyndock & the Officers who so gallantly gain...

3rd in collection of 4 colored aquatints by Sutherland, Havell after Laird, published June 4th, 1836; British infantry storming fortress on promontory in background. 3rd in collection of 4 colored aquatints by Sutherland, Havell after Laird, published June 4th, 1836; British infantry storming fortress on promontory in background. Large oblong folio, matted; some margins trimmed; clean. From 'J.W. Laird's Martial Achievements'. London, Parker Gallery, 1965.

The Storming of St. Sebastian by the British, Spanish, and Portuguese Troops under the Command of Field Marshal The M...

Hand-colored engraving; artillery in foreground firing on fortified city in distance, infantry advancing and marching across river in middle distance. Hand-colored engraving; artillery in foreground firing on fortified city in distance, infantry advancing and marching across river in middle distance. Oblong medium folio, matted; plate mark, margins severely trimmed; slightly soiled or worn. London, Parker Gallery, 1958.

The Storming of Seringapatam, 3rd May 1799

Original unsigned watercolor; battle scene outside walls of fort. Original unsigned watercolor; battle scene outside walls of fort. By or after Robert Ker Porter. Title supplied by cataloger. London, Parker Gallery, 1972.

The storming of Fort George, May 27th, 1813

Wood engraved plate; troops charging up embankment on shoreline towards artillery defending fort above. From 'Harper's Weekly', May 29, 1858, page 345. Wood engraved plate; troops charging up embankment on shoreline towards artillery defending fort above. From 'Harper's Weekly', May 29, 1858, page 345. Oblong medium folio, matted; margins trimmed; slightly foxed.

The Storming of Fort Ali Musjid, 21st. Nov. 1878: advance guard of a detachment of the 10th Royal Hussars under the c...

10th in collection of original signed watercolors by Norie; 5 mounted uniform figures, galloping through rocky terrain, swords drawn. 10th in collection of original signed watercolors by Norie; 5 mounted uniform figures, galloping through rocky terrain, swords drawn. Oblong folio, matted; no margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.

The Storming and Taking by Assault the French Works at Almaraz in Spain by the Forces under Genl. Sir Rowland Hill

Hand-colored copper engraving (crude), published Juny 27, 1812; troops advancing around fortifications and across bridge during bombardment, mounted officers directing in foreground. Hand-colored copper engraving (crude), published Juny 27, 1812; troops advancing around fortifications and across bridge during bombardment, mounted officers directing in foreground. Oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed close; worn, creased. London, Spencer, 1952.

The storming and capture of Fort Donelson: a military divertimento

by J.C. Viereck. For piano. Cover title. "Op: 86"--P. 2. Plate no.: 21312. Cover etched ill.: central medallion of soldiers planting the American flag during a battle is surrounded by ornamental flourishes and scrolls incorporating the dedication, the title, and the composer's name. Cover signed: Greene Sc. Dedicated "to Maj. Gen. Grant"--Cover, at head of title. Possibly composed for a reenactment of the capture performed by the Island Ranger Zouaves, a cadet group from East Boston, in Sumner Hall at Maverick Square on March 7, 1862? Cf. Image of the performance (with caption) in: Sammarco, A.M. East Boston, p. 16.

The Statue of Liberty is smiling: (on the hearts of the world to-day)

words by Jack Mahoney ; music by Halsey K. Mohr. For voice and piano. Caption title. Advertisement for another song: p. 3. Advertisement for "You're some pretty doll" and other songs: p. [4] Cover illustration: Statue of Liberty shining lamp on returning ships from France / Barbelle.

The State Procession of Queen Victoria, to Westminster Abbey on the day of Her Coronation, June 28th, 1838: the Guard...

Colored lithograph after Templeton, printed by L.M. Lefevre; state coach and procession approaching Abbey, Guards at right dipping standards, spectators, galleries in background. Colored lithograph after Templeton, printed by L.M. Lefevre; state coach and procession approaching Abbey, Guards at right dipping standards, spectators, galleries in background. Oblong folio, matted; margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.

The state of the war - or - the monkey-race in danger

The French army is here figured as monkey-like creatures that wear French uniforms and have small bodies and awkward limbs. They are being attacked by Turkey, a grotesque figure wearing a turban and depicted with a crescent shaped head; Russia, a large snarling bear; and Britain, a fierce tiger shown mauling the monkey-soldiers. A Hapsburg eagle clutching fire bolts in one talon and a bonnet rouge in the other flies over the soldiers fleeing to the right of the sheet. These national figures leave destruction in their wake. Turkey has raised its scimitar and prepares to swing at Napoleon, a monkey dressed in uniform and cocked black hat, grasped here at the waist. Napoleon raises an ineffectually small dagger in one hand, while with the other he lets fall a piece of paper on which is written "Organization of Egypt and Triumph of Buonaparte." The French army is here figured as monkey-like creatures that wear French uniforms and have small bodies and awkward limbs. They are being attacked by Turkey, a grotesque figure wearing a turban and depicted with a crescent shaped head; Russia, a large snarling bear; and Britain, a fierce tiger shown mauling the monkey-soldiers. A Hapsburg eagle clutching fire bolts in one talon and a bonnet rouge in the other flies over the soldiers fleeing to the right of the sheet. These national figures leave destruction in their wake. Turkey has raised its scimitar and prepares to swing at Napoleon, a monkey dressed in uniform and cocked black hat, grasped here at the waist. Napoleon raises an ineffectually small dagger in one hand, while with the other he lets fall a piece of paper on which is written "Organization of Egypt and Triumph of Buonaparte." This is very likely a later impression of the Gillray plate. Inscription: Pubd. May 20th 1799, by H. Humphrey No. 27 St. James's Street. Printed Signature: Js. Gillray invt. & fect.

The State Entry. Scene at the Jama Musjid

Albumen print photograph; panoramic scene of ceremonial elephant parade around curved perimeter of large building, massed crowd held back by line of troops, festival tents in right background. Albumen print photograph; panoramic scene of ceremonial elephant parade around curved perimeter of large building, massed crowd held back by line of troops, festival tents in right background. Scene from the 1903 Delhi Durbar

The State Entry: Coronation, Durbar, Dec. 1911

Albumen print photograph; troops processing around curve toward left, on street lined on both sides and in viewing stands with more soldiers, large buildings on right and in background. Albumen print photograph; troops processing around curve toward left, on street lined on both sides and in viewing stands with more soldiers, large buildings on right and in background. Scene from the Delhi Durbar, 1911

The State Entry approaching the Jama Masjid, 29 December 1911

Albumen print photograph; parade of Imperial Cadet Corps turning right past crowd of spectators beneath striped awnings, other troops and spectators at left, Red Fort in left background. Further back is Queen Mary's open carriage. Albumen print photograph; parade of Imperial Cadet Corps turning right past crowd of spectators beneath striped awnings, other troops and spectators at left, Red Fort in left background. Further back is Queen Mary's open carriage. Scene from the Delhi Durbar, 1911

The start

The start

Brown University

1 of 6 color prints inscribed 'Elf' (pseudonym of Lieut. Col. Edmund Lomax Fraser, 3rd King's Royal Rifle Corps); humorous scene of soldiers and sailors in a boat with Sudanese man (?) helping to steer, General Wolseley standing by a flag pole. After a series of watercolors in the National Army Museum, London 1 of 6 color prints inscribed 'Elf' (pseudonym of Lieut. Col. Edmund Lomax Fraser, 3rd King's Royal Rifle Corps); humorous scene of soldiers and sailors in a boat with Sudanese man (?) helping to steer, General Wolseley standing by a flag pole. After a series of watercolors in the National Army Museum, London Small folio. London, David Cohen Fine Art, 2015. 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/)

The Star Spangled Flag of the Free

words by Henry Clay Preuss ; music by Stewart Macaulay. For piano and voice. 'To Col. Geo. P. Kane, Baltimore, MD' --cover. Ads on back cover for Henry McCaffrey stock; Murphy & Co. Printers & Stationers, 178 Market St. Balt. 'Written Expressly For and Sung By Kunkel's Nightingale Opera Troupe' -- cover. Cover lith. ill. by A. Hoen & Co. Balt: sailor attaching flag to pole; Capital in distance.

The Staffordshire Yeomanry, the Queen's Own Royal Regiment: Composite

Original composite watercolor signed by Simkin; uniform groups and figures of 1794, 1808, 1816, 1837, 1859, 1884, 1897. Original composite watercolor signed by Simkin; uniform groups and figures of 1794, 1808, 1816, 1837, 1859, 1884, 1897. Large oblong folio, matted; margins; slightly foxed. London, Parker Gallery. title provided by cataloger