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 Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)

19th 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); standing infantryman and officer in red jackets, in conversation near building corner; note on verso: "7th". 19th 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); standing infantryman and officer in red jackets, in conversation near building corner; note on verso: "7th". Oblong and upright, 61 pieces; a few soiled; in folio red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)

Original watercolor sketch signed and dated by McNeill; officer and grenadier, in red jackets, talking by corner of wall, outdoors. (On oblong sheet, right half unpainted; title on verso.) Original watercolor sketch signed and dated by McNeill; officer and grenadier, in red jackets, talking by corner of wall, outdoors. (On oblong sheet, right half unpainted; title on verso.) Oblong folio; no margins; clean.

The Royal Fusiliers - the C.O.

From collection of 89 original signed watercolors on board, mostly dated, by Wollen, Ibbetson, Holloway, for Gale & Polden postcards, this one signed by Ibbetson; mounted officer in bearskin cap reviewing infantry troop on grass field; 2 other officers in left background. From collection of 89 original signed watercolors on board, mostly dated, by Wollen, Ibbetson, Holloway, for Gale & Polden postcards, this one signed by Ibbetson; mounted officer in bearskin cap reviewing infantry troop on grass field; 2 other officers in left background. In red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Royal Fusiliers - Divine Service

From collection of 89 original signed watercolors on board, mostly dated, by Wollen, Ibbetson, Holloway, for Gale & Polden postcards, this one signed by Ibbetson; circle of soldiers standing in meadow, around minister conducting religious service at lectern made of stacked kettle drums. From collection of 89 original signed watercolors on board, mostly dated, by Wollen, Ibbetson, Holloway, for Gale & Polden postcards, this one signed by Ibbetson; circle of soldiers standing in meadow, around minister conducting religious service at lectern made of stacked kettle drums. In red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Royal Foundery, Woolwich (variant)

Hand-colored engraved plate by James Fittler after Sandby, showing small figures in uniform at the Royal Foundery by many gun barrels. Hand-colored engraved plate by James Fittler after Sandby, showing small figures in uniform at the Royal Foundery by many gun barrels. Oblong; plate mark, margins.

The Royal Foundery, Woolwich

Hand-colored engraved plate of view by James Fittler after Sandby showing small figures in uniform at foundery. Hand-colored engraved plate of view by James Fittler after Sandby showing small figures in uniform at foundery. Oblong; plate mark, margins.

The Royal Family of Great Britain, 1897

Sepia photograph of painting (published by Stengel and Markert, Dresden); Queen Victoria seated in center, surrounded by 34 male and female royals to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee,1897 (caption below listing title and sitters absent) Sepia photograph of painting (published by Stengel and Markert, Dresden); Queen Victoria seated in center, surrounded by 34 male and female royals to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee,1897 (caption below listing title and sitters absent) Queen Victoria, seated center, alongside the Prince of Wales, right, Edward Albert of York, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales and behind her, standing the Duke and Duchess of York, This group also features, the Duke of Fife, Christian, and Helen, Prince & Princess of Schleswig Holstein, Duke & Duchess of Connaught, Princess Victoria, Victoria & Frederick III of Germany, Marquis and Marchioness of Lorne, Charles, Prince of Denmark, & Maud Princess of Denmark, Helen, Duchess of Albany, Alice, Princess of Albany, Christian Victor, Prince of Schleswig Holstein, Louisa, Margaret of Connaught, Duchess of Fife, Patricia, Princess of Connaught, Lady Maud Duff, Lady Alexandria Duff, Arthur, Prince of Connaught, Alexander, Albert Prince of Battenberg, Beatrice, Princess of Battenberg, Leopold, Prince of Battenberg, Charles, Duke of Albany,Maurice, Prince of Battenberg, Victoria Eugene Princess of Battenberg, Victoria Louisa, Princess of Schleswig-Holstein. New York, Rockman Prints, 1961. Title supplied by cataloger

The Royal Family 1842

The Royal Family 1842

Brown University

One of a pair of lithographs by W. Clerk; 10 bust portraits in scrolled enframement after T.C. Wilson, one showing uniform, being of Duke of Sussex, 2 infants, Duchess of Kent, Princess Sophia, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria, Queen Adelaide, Prince George, Duke of Cambridge. [See also: The Christening of the Princess Royal.] One of a pair of lithographs by W. Clerk; 10 bust portraits in scrolled enframement after T.C. Wilson, one showing uniform, being of Duke of Sussex, 2 infants, Duchess of Kent, Princess Sophia, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria, Queen Adelaide, Prince George, Duke of Cambridge. [See also: The Christening of the Princess Royal.] Upright, one of two prints matted together; margins severely trimmed; clean.

The Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles entering Dover: Sketched from Crabble Hill, Canterbury Road

Color lithograph by and after Burgess; line of hussars riding through countryside passed coach with men and women on top, toward town in distance, men, women and children watching in field at right foreground, castle on hill in background. Color lithograph by and after Burgess; line of hussars riding through countryside passed coach with men and women on top, toward town in distance, men, women and children watching in field at right foreground, castle on hill in background. Large oblong folio, matted; margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1955.

The Royal Dublin Fusiliers: 102nd & 103rd Foot

Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; standing officer holding sword by scabbard, talking with infantryman with shouldered rifle; meadow in background. Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; standing officer holding sword by scabbard, talking with infantryman with shouldered rifle; meadow in background. Folio, unbound; some edges etc. soiled or worn but images in good condition; in 2 red cloth cases, red leather labels stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Royal Dublin Fusiliers

24th 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); 2 standing infantrymen red jackets, bearskin hats, building in background; note on verso: "102nd". 24th 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); 2 standing infantrymen red jackets, bearskin hats, building in background; note on verso: "102nd". Oblong and upright, 61 pieces; a few soiled; in folio red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Royal Dublin Fusiliers

Original watercolor sketch signed and dated by McNeill; 2 infantrymen, one holding signal flag, the other a grounded rifle, talking near stone wall. (On oblong sheet, right half unpainted; title on verso.) Original watercolor sketch signed and dated by McNeill; 2 infantrymen, one holding signal flag, the other a grounded rifle, talking near stone wall. (On oblong sheet, right half unpainted; title on verso.) Oblong folio; no margins; clean.

The royal camp march

The royal camp march

Brown University

Subject: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, mounted and accompanied by military suite inspecting troops; Augustus Butler, delt & lith, Stannard & Dixon. Subject: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, mounted and accompanied by military suite inspecting troops; Augustus Butler, delt & lith, Stannard & Dixon. Title continues: Composed for the grand field days at Chobham by Stephen Glover.

The Royal Artillery barracks, Woolwich: To Lieut. General Sir Thomas Downman, C.B., K.C.H., Colonel Commandant of the...

Color lithograph by Thomas Picken after Ranwell and Boddy, printed by Day & Son; view of long stretch of connected buildings in background with small figures of cadets drilling, spectators and promenaders, some in uniform, in foreground. Color lithograph by Thomas Picken after Ranwell and Boddy, printed by Day & Son; view of long stretch of connected buildings in background with small figures of cadets drilling, spectators and promenaders, some in uniform, in foreground. Oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; worn. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.

The Royal Artillery

The Royal Artillery

Brown University

One of a collection of 31 original gouache paintings of uniform figures signed by Hudson or Cedric. 3 figures, one on right in khaki, two on left in navy with red stripe. One of a collection of 31 original gouache paintings of uniform figures signed by Hudson or Cedric. 3 figures, one on right in khaki, two on left in navy with red stripe. Unbound; in red cloth portfolio stamped gold.

The Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. April 27, 1841

Hand-colored steel engraving by and after Hinchcliff; view of arsenal buildings across paved court with piles of cannonballs, small soldier figures, women and children in foreground. Hand-colored steel engraving by and after Hinchcliff; view of arsenal buildings across paved court with piles of cannonballs, small soldier figures, women and children in foreground. Small oblong folio, matted; margins intact; clean, slightly yellowed. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1953.

The Royal Army Service Corps

Original ink and watercolor drawing initialed with monogram C.R.I.; standing uniform figure. Original ink and watercolor drawing initialed with monogram C.R.I.; standing uniform figure. Upright, matted; margins intact; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1969.

The Roughriders I.Y.

The Roughriders I.Y.

Brown University

One of a collection of 11 original tempera drawings on gray board, most signed Red (pseudonym) of a single uniform figure facing right. of a single uniform figure facing left. One of a collection of 11 original tempera drawings on gray board, most signed Red (pseudonym) of a single uniform figure facing right. of a single uniform figure facing left. Upright folio painted on gray board; upper left corner damaged; matted; margins; clean.

The Ross-Shire Buffs

The Ross-Shire Buffs

Brown University

Original gouache caricature on gray board, initialed and dated by A.K.; standing uniform figure in profile facing left, wearing kilt. Original gouache caricature on gray board, initialed and dated by A.K.; standing uniform figure in profile facing left, wearing kilt. Upright medium folio; margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1949.

The Rose Shamrock & Thistle

Subject: A Scottish and Irish volunteer and a British guardsman standing and sitting by cannon; Concanen & Lee Lith, Stannard & Dixon Imp. Subject: A Scottish and Irish volunteer and a British guardsman standing and sitting by cannon; Concanen & Lee Lith, Stannard & Dixon Imp. Title continues: A Rifle Corps quadrille composed by C.C. Amos. Pr. 3/-

The rose of "No Man's Land": (La rose sus les boulets)

French text by Louis Delamarre ; [words by] Jack Caddigan & [music by] James A. Brennan. For voice and piano. Caption title. Advertisement for "Dreaming sweet dreams of Mother" and another song: p. [4] Cover illustration: a nurse. Also published for: band, orchestra, male quartette.

The Room in the McLean House, at Appomattox C.H., in which Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant

Lithograph after photographs, commissioned by Wilmer McLean, the owner of the house, to raise money from the losses of his furniture which had been taken as mementos; military portrait group showing Grant, Lee, and staff: Horace Porter, George Armstrong Custer, Cyrus Ballou Comstock, Orville Elias Babcock, Charles Marshall, Walter Herron Taylor, Philip Henry Sheridan, John Aaron Rawlins, Charles Griffin, John Gibbon, George Gordon Meade, Ely Samuel Parker, Wesley Merritt, James William Forsyth, Theodore Shelton Bowers, and Edward Otho Cresap Ord, Lithograph after photographs, commissioned by Wilmer McLean, the owner of the house, to raise money from the losses of his furniture which had been taken as mementos; military portrait group showing Grant, Lee, and staff: Horace Porter, George Armstrong Custer, Cyrus Ballou Comstock, Orville Elias Babcock, Charles Marshall, Walter Herron Taylor, Philip Henry Sheridan, John Aaron Rawlins, Charles Griffin, John Gibbon, George Gordon Meade, Ely Samuel Parker, Wesley Merritt, James William Forsyth, Theodore Shelton Bowers, and Edward Otho Cresap Ord, Oblong folio; margins intact; clean. Charleston, SC, Schindler, 1957.

The Rome, April [--] (Pope addressing soldiers from a balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, c. 1840)

Unsigned (inscribed with monogram) original watercolor sketch; troop of mounted soldiers seen from rear in foreground before basilica, where Pope appears on draped balcony, two women and child in left foreground Unsigned (inscribed with monogram) original watercolor sketch; troop of mounted soldiers seen from rear in foreground before basilica, where Pope appears on draped balcony, two women and child in left foreground Medium upright folio, matted corners missing including date; no margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1973. title provided by cataloger

The Rolling drums or "Le Réveille" descriptive battle march

Subject: Mounted state kettle-drummer of Life Guards, with marching drummers of Grenadier Guards by guardbox; W. Stannard. Subject: Mounted state kettle-drummer of Life Guards, with marching drummers of Grenadier Guards by guardbox; W. Stannard. Title continues: by Georg Asch.

The roll call, a masque of the Red Cross, by Percy MacKaye

Poster showing a draped figure reaching upward with bare right arm toward the insignia of the Red Cross. Poster showing a draped figure reaching upward with bare right arm toward the insignia of the Red Cross. Arnold Genthe. Printed in red, black and shades of gray on white paper. Entire text reproduced.

The roll call polka

The roll call polka

Brown University

Subject: Scottish soldiers at roll call in front of Edinburgh Castle. Subject: Scottish soldiers at roll call in front of Edinburgh Castle. Title continues: Composed by J.E. Webster. Price 3/-

The roll call

The roll call

Brown University

Subject: Grenadier Guards parading on drill ground, drummer boys and fifers in foreground; Hanhart, Imp. Subject: Grenadier Guards parading on drill ground, drummer boys and fifers in foreground; Hanhart, Imp. Title continues: March, composed by J. Pridham. Pr. 3/-

The Roll Call

The Roll Call

Brown University

Color stipple engraving by W.T. Hulland after Elizabeth Thompson, dated 1874 by artist, published Novr. 1st, 1882; roll call being taken of Guards (in winter greatcoats) after battle in Crimea, mounted officer in left foreground. Color stipple engraving by W.T. Hulland after Elizabeth Thompson, dated 1874 by artist, published Novr. 1st, 1882; roll call being taken of Guards (in winter greatcoats) after battle in Crimea, mounted officer in left foreground. Giant oblong folio, margins intact; clean, edges worn, repaired marginal tears. London, Parker Gallery, 1965.

The rogues march

The rogues march

Brown University

Napoleon Bonaparte and his brother Joseph have been captured by the allies and are handcuffed together. They are led by Blücher, who cuts a stately figure and holds the end of a rope tied around Napoleon's neck. Blücher also carries a placard on which is inscribed "Napoleon, Late Emperor of the French, King of Italy Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. Grand Arbiter of the fate of Nations &c. &c. &c. but now by the permission of the Allied Sovereigns, Exile on the Isle of Elba an outcast from Society a Fugitive a Vagabond. Yet this is the conceited mortal who said, I have never been seduced by prosperity, Adversity will not be able to overcome me." The Brothers Bonaparte are both spindly and dejected characters. Napoleon wears a dunce's hat inscribed "Transported for Life" and a pair of donkey's ears. Joe's broken and floppy hat is inscribed "Coward and Thief." Both are being bitten by "Detestation" and "Execration," two monstrous creatures that play at their ankles. In the left background, a group of corpulent kings join hands and dance around a flagpole in celebration of the restoration of Louis XVIII. Two flags fly; one is decorated with the Hapsburg eagle, the other reads "Rejoice O Ye Kings, Vive le Roi!" and is patterned with fleurs-de-lis. On the right British soldiers line the road Napoleon and Joe are led down. They ceremoniously play drums and stand at attention. The disciplined figures of the British soldiers create a pointed contrast to the childish dance of the royals. Napoleon Bonaparte and his brother Joseph have been captured by the allies and are handcuffed together. They are led by Blücher, who cuts a stately figure and holds the end of a rope tied around Napoleon's neck. Blücher also carries a placard on which is inscribed "Napoleon, Late Emperor of the French, King of Italy Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. Grand Arbiter of the fate of Nations &c. &c. &c. but now by the permission of the Allied Sovereigns, Exile on the Isle of Elba an outcast from Society a Fugitive a Vagabond. Yet this is the conceited mortal who said, I have never been seduced by prosperity, Adversity will not be able to overcome me." The Brothers Bonaparte are both spindly and dejected characters. Napoleon wears a dunce's hat inscribed "Transported for Life" and a pair of donkey's ears. Joe's broken and floppy hat is inscribed "Coward and Thief." Both are being bitten by "Detestation" and "Execration," two monstrous creatures that play at their ankles. In the left background, a group of corpulent kings join hands and dance around a flagpole in celebration of the restoration of Louis XVIII. Two flags fly; one is decorated with the Hapsburg eagle, the other reads "Rejoice O Ye Kings, Vive le Roi!" and is patterned with fleurs-de-lis. On the right British soldiers line the road Napoleon and Joe are led down. They ceremoniously play drums and stand at attention. The disciplined figures of the British soldiers create a pointed contrast to the childish dance of the royals. Inscription: Pubd. April 15, 1814 by Thos. Tegg, No. 111 Cheapside. Label(s): Napolean, Late Emperor of the French, King of Italy Protecter of the Confederation of the Rhine, Grand Arbiter of the fate of Nations &c &c &c but now by the permission of the Allied Sovereigns, Exile in the Isle of Elba an Outcast from Society a fugitive a Vagabond. Yet this is the conceited Morgal who said, I have never been seduced by prosperity Adversity will not be able to overcome me Verse: From fickle Fortune's gamesome lap/ What various titles flow / / The Emperor of Conj[u]rors Nap/ The King of Beggars Joe!'