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 provision train

The provision train

Brown University

Color line- and stipple-engraving by C. Tomkins after Robinson; Washington and mounted officers near camp above river, wagon train approaching on road at right. Color line- and stipple-engraving by C. Tomkins after Robinson; Washington and mounted officers near camp above river, wagon train approaching on road at right. Large oblong folio; margins trimmed; margins soiled. Hanover, N.H., Book & Print Shop, 1956.

The prospect of White-hall from the Park of St. James

Hand-colored etching, numbered 91. 'View looking towards Whitehall from the park, showing the buildings fronting the park such as the old Horse Guards and Wallingford House; carriages and figures in foreground, men on horseback lined up in formation, sedan chairs and figures in park; a later state; illustration to the sixth edition of Stow's Survey of London. 1720, this state 1755' -- British Library Hand-colored etching, numbered 91. 'View looking towards Whitehall from the park, showing the buildings fronting the park such as the old Horse Guards and Wallingford House; carriages and figures in foreground, men on horseback lined up in formation, sedan chairs and figures in park; a later state; illustration to the sixth edition of Stow's Survey of London. 1720, this state 1755' -- British Library This plate carried the credit of Jan Kip. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1953.

The proposal

The proposal

Brown University

Double-page color plate from unidentified magazine, after Lucas; grenadier sitting on table at right and flirting with young woman in apron and bonnet at left, indoors. Double-page color plate from unidentified magazine, after Lucas; grenadier sitting on table at right and flirting with young woman in apron and bonnet at left, indoors. Upright folio; margins entirely trimmed away; creased.

The promenade, or A sketch for Windsor - plate 1st

Hand-colored etched caricature (by and after Heath) lettered with title, artist's signature [Paul Pry] and publication line: "Pub by T McLean 26 Haymarket where political and other Caricatuers are daily Publishing"; George IV escorting tiny Maria II Queen of Portugal among courtiers, including Duke of Wellington at left. Hand-colored etched caricature (by and after Heath) lettered with title, artist's signature [Paul Pry] and publication line: "Pub by T McLean 26 Haymarket where political and other Caricatuers are daily Publishing"; George IV escorting tiny Maria II Queen of Portugal among courtiers, including Duke of Wellington at left. Oblong medium folio; plate mark, margins intact; clean. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1968.

The progress of the Emperor Napoleon

This satire depicts eight stages in the life of Napoleon from his youth as "A Ragged Headed Corsican Peasant" to his assumption of the throne as "An Emperor on a Throne of Iniquities." Napoleon, much like an actor on stage, assumes different poses and costumes representing each nefarious milestone in his rise to power. Rowlandson clearly shows that Napoleon's reign is based on a series of deceptions and murders. Some staining or foxing at edges. Additionally, some small, unrepaired tears at borders. This satire depicts eight stages in the life of Napoleon from his youth as "A Ragged Headed Corsican Peasant" to his assumption of the throne as "An Emperor on a Throne of Iniquities." Napoleon, much like an actor on stage, assumes different poses and costumes representing each nefarious milestone in his rise to power. Rowlandson clearly shows that Napoleon's reign is based on a series of deceptions and murders. Some staining or foxing at edges. Additionally, some small, unrepaired tears at borders. Published by Thomas Tegg, 1808-11-19. British Museum, BM 11053. A companion to BM 10981. George suggests comparison between this plate and Gillray's succession of small images in 'Democracy; or a Sketch of the Life of Buonaparte.' Caption: Pubd Nov4 19 1808 by Thos Tegg N 111 Cheapside Printed Signature: Thomas Rowlandson f. Annotation: P1596 Plate Mark: 295 Labels: 1) "A Ragged Headed Corsican Peasant. 2) "Studying mischief at the Royal Military Academy at Paris." 3) "An Humble Ensign in a Republican Corps requesting a situation in the British Army." 4) "A determined Atheistical Republican General ordering his men to fire on the Parisians vollies of grape shot." 5) "A Turk at Grand Cairo." 6) "A Runaway from Egypt." 7) "A Devout Catholic" 8) "An Emperor on a Throne of iniquities./ O Tempora' O Mores" Labels: "Murders. Duke D'Enghem/Prisoners at Jaffa Palm/Capt. Williams/Pichegreu/Calon/Toussaint/&c, &c Robberies innumerable."

The progress of heroism!

Hand-colored etched caricature (by I. Cruikshank) after Woodward, published April 9th, 1796; 2 rows of humorous narrative scenes of young officer, including two women. Hand-colored etched caricature (by I. Cruikshank) after Woodward, published April 9th, 1796; 2 rows of humorous narrative scenes of young officer, including two women. Oblong folio; margins severely trimmed; slightly soiled. London, Spencer, 1955.

The progress of gun-making in the United States

Wood-engraved plate after Meeker; 11 illustrations of artillery pieces. Wood-engraved plate after Meeker; 11 illustrations of artillery pieces. From Harper's Weekly, November 7, 1891, page 880.

The progress of Boney

The progress of Boney

Brown University

This engraving is divided into four horizontal strips that are bordered by the tricolor. Each strip contains four small scenes (twenty in all) that chronicle Napoleon's rise and fall from power. The scenes are acted out by stick characters that recall the geometric figures on early Greek vases. These characters express themselves solely through line and gestures, which easily lead the viewer/reader from scene to scene so that a continuous frieze is created. Following convention, Napoleon is distinguishable by his cocked hat. The events represented are from the most diabolical in Napoleon's career and are as follows: Blowing up His Comrades. Massacre at Toulon. Marriage to Josephine. Forceing the Bridge of Lodi. Blindfolding the Austrian Officer. Massacre in Egypt. Siege of Acre. Flight from Egypt. Crossing the Alps. Duke D'Enghien Shot. Crowned Emperor. Meeting the Emperor of Russia on a Raft. 1st Interview with Marie Louisa. Nursing the King of Rome. Burning of Moscow. Flight from Russia. Prisoner at Elba. Escape from Elba. Battle of Waterloo. Prisoner at St. Helena. In her entry for the British Museum, Mary George notes that the compositions for all of the scenes except the last three are based on George Cruikshank's series of engravings, "The Life of Napoleon." This engraving is divided into four horizontal strips that are bordered by the tricolor. Each strip contains four small scenes (twenty in all) that chronicle Napoleon's rise and fall from power. The scenes are acted out by stick characters that recall the geometric figures on early Greek vases. These characters express themselves solely through line and gestures, which easily lead the viewer/reader from scene to scene so that a continuous frieze is created. Following convention, Napoleon is distinguishable by his cocked hat. The events represented are from the most diabolical in Napoleon's career and are as follows: Blowing up His Comrades. Massacre at Toulon. Marriage to Josephine. Forceing the Bridge of Lodi. Blindfolding the Austrian Officer. Massacre in Egypt. Siege of Acre. Flight from Egypt. Crossing the Alps. Duke D'Enghien Shot. Crowned Emperor. Meeting the Emperor of Russia on a Raft. 1st Interview with Marie Louisa. Nursing the King of Rome. Burning of Moscow. Flight from Russia. Prisoner at Elba. Escape from Elba. Battle of Waterloo. Prisoner at St. Helena. In her entry for the British Museum, Mary George notes that the compositions for all of the scenes except the last three are based on George Cruikshank's series of engravings, "The Life of Napoleon." Published by J. L. Marks. Caption: (London) Pub by J. L. Marks No 2 Sandy's Row Artillery St Bishopsgate. J Harrison Gt Queen St Drury Lane Printed Signature: J. L. Marks del. Annotation: Nap. Annotation: Not in D[ouglas? illegible] Annotation: D 6632 Collector's Mark: A

The Procession passing the Obelisk in St. George's Circus

Original wash drawing; coronation procession passing through city square Original wash drawing; coronation procession passing through city square Large oblong folio; matted; margins intact; clean. Drawn for and published in The Graphic, November 1, 1902, page 602

The prize banner quick step

For piano Image on cover after R. Cooke: "Indian muster at Malden, Oct. 11th 1839" showing cavalry lined up on parade ground with infantry marching, bonfire on hill in distance; mounted officer meeting mounted Native American in center [See also: Dehon's quick step (and) National Lancers Grand Parade]

The Prize banner quick step

composed for the piano forte by D.H. Haskell. Title page lithographic illustration by J.H. Bufford's Lith.: mounted cavalrymen gathered near outdoor pavilion for award of banner, spectators nearby. Price mark 2 1/2 in five-pointed star.

The prize banner quick step

D.H. Haskell. For piano. Caption title. Illustrated title page: Scene of troops in formation, with officers on horseback.

The Prisoners, 1916

The Prisoners, 1916

Brown University

Color plate after Raemakers; 3 infantrymen in prisoners' cage, German guard beyond barbed wire in background. Plate 33 from 'The Great War: A Neutral's Indictment' by Louis Raemaekers Color plate after Raemakers; 3 infantrymen in prisoners' cage, German guard beyond barbed wire in background. Plate 33 from 'The Great War: A Neutral's Indictment' by Louis Raemaekers Upright folio; margins of mount trimmed; clean. New York, Rockman Prints, 1949. Title supplied by cataloger.

The prisoner of war

The prisoner of war

Brown University

One of a pair of signed watercolors by Heath; prisoner sitting on stool in cell. [See also: The Commanding officer]. One of a pair of signed watercolors by Heath; prisoner sitting on stool in cell. [See also: The Commanding officer]. Upright; margins; soiled and yellowed. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1952.

The Princess of Wales going from the Royal-Yacht to land at Greenwich

One of a pair of hand-colored engravings; debarkation scene, showing ships dressed with flags and firing salutes, state barges, spectators in small boats, etc. [See also: The Embarkation of the Princess of Wales at Cruxhaven.] One of a pair of hand-colored engravings; debarkation scene, showing ships dressed with flags and firing salutes, state barges, spectators in small boats, etc. [See also: The Embarkation of the Princess of Wales at Cruxhaven.] Oblong medium folio, matted; margins trimmed; worn. London, Parker Gallery, 1952.

The Princes' vigil - 12.15 a.m. January 28th, 1936

Color plate after Beresford, dated 1936 by artist; lying-in-state of George V in Westminster Hall with Royal Princes standing guard. Color plate after Beresford, dated 1936 by artist; lying-in-state of George V in Westminster Hall with Royal Princes standing guard. Upright folio, mounted on board with col. border; clean. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1960.

The Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire Regt.): 40th & 82nd Foot

Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; 2 infantrymen marching with shouldered rifles; note on verso : "5 set, no. 74". Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; 2 infantrymen marching with shouldered rifles; note on verso : "5 set, no. 74". Upright folio on board, unbound, in red portfolio stamped gold, "Original oil paintings for British regimental prints c. 1900-1910".

The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regt.)

2nd in collection of 22 original gouache paintings of uniform figures, signed by Benham; standing figure of infantry officer, in scarlet jacket, black trousers, helmet. 2nd in collection of 22 original gouache paintings of uniform figures, signed by Benham; standing figure of infantry officer, in scarlet jacket, black trousers, helmet. Unbound; in red cloth portfolio stamped gold; clean. London, Forster Groom.

The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment). 14th Foot

Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings produced for regimental prints, signed by Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; infantryman in foreground, walking with shouldered rifle, 2 smaller soldier figures in left background; note on verso : "No. 49, 8th set of infantry". Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings produced for regimental prints, signed by Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; infantryman in foreground, walking with shouldered rifle, 2 smaller soldier figures in left background; note on verso : "No. 49, 8th set of infantry". Upright folio on board, unbound, in red portfolio stamped gold, "Original oil paintings for British regimental prints c. 1900-1910".

The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)

6th 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 uniform figure in red jacket, black helmet, with grounded rifle; insignia in upper left; pencil note on verso : "Private... 14th". 6th 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 uniform figure in red jacket, black helmet, with grounded rifle; insignia in upper left; pencil note on verso : "Private... 14th". Oblong and upright, 61 pieces; a few soiled; in folio red cloth case, red leather label st. gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)

Original watercolor signed by McNeill; standing uniform figure of infantryman in red jacket, helmet, holding grounded rifle; insignia in upper left corner. Original watercolor signed by McNeill; standing uniform figure of infantryman in red jacket, helmet, holding grounded rifle; insignia in upper left corner. Upright; no margins; stained.

The Prince of Wales's Loyal Volunteers preparing for the Grand Review by His Majesty October 28th 1803

Color stipple-engraving by Say after Sharp; groups of mounted and dismounted officers and men outside stable building, troops drawn up for inspection in left and right background, several dogs, boy drummer and boy bugler in left foreground. Color stipple-engraving by Say after Sharp; groups of mounted and dismounted officers and men outside stable building, troops drawn up for inspection in left and right background, several dogs, boy drummer and boy bugler in left foreground. Large oblong folio, matted; plate mark, margins trimmed; edges soiled. London, Parker Gallery, 1949.

The Prince of Wales's grand march

Subject: '(View of Carnarvon Castle)' showing The Prince of Wales (?) leading a troop of hussars past castle; Hanhart, Lith. Subject: '(View of Carnarvon Castle)' showing The Prince of Wales (?) leading a troop of hussars past castle; Hanhart, Lith. Title continues: For the piano forte, by J. Pridham. Pr. 4/-

The Prince of Wales' Indian march

Subject: The Prince of Wales in uniform riding on an elephant in procession, cheering spectators in left foreground; 'Published by special permission of the proprietors of "The Graphic."; M. Watson, Lith.; Stannard & Son, Impt. Subject: The Prince of Wales in uniform riding on an elephant in procession, cheering spectators in left foreground; 'Published by special permission of the proprietors of "The Graphic."; M. Watson, Lith.; Stannard & Son, Impt. Title continues: By Jules Favre.

The Prince of Wales' Indian march

Subject: The Prince of Wales in uniform riding on an elephant in procession, cheering spectators in left foreground; 'Published by special permission of the proprietors of "The Graphic."; M. Watson, Lith.; Stannard & Son, Impt. Subject: The Prince of Wales in uniform riding on an elephant in procession, cheering spectators in left foreground; 'Published by special permission of the proprietors of "The Graphic."; M. Watson, Lith.; Stannard & Son, Impt. Title continues: By Jules Favre.

The Prince of Wales' grand review march

Subject: Prince of Wales leading charge of hussar regiment; H.C. Maguire, Lith.; Stannard & Son, 7 Poland St. W. Subject: Prince of Wales leading charge of hussar regiment; H.C. Maguire, Lith.; Stannard & Son, 7 Poland St. W. Title continues: Composed by J. Pridham. Pr. 4/-

The Prince of Wales. Quadrille

Subject: three-quarter length portrait of the Prince of Wales in uniform, hand on hip, hat on table at right; signed T. Packer, Stannard & Dixon. Subject: three-quarter length portrait of the Prince of Wales in uniform, hand on hip, hat on table at right; signed T. Packer, Stannard & Dixon. Title continues: Composed by Ricardo Shrivalli. Solo 3/-, Duet 4/-

The Prince of Wales, march

Subject: Bust portrait of the Prince of Wales in uniform; M. Watson, Lith. Subject: Bust portrait of the Prince of Wales in uniform; M. Watson, Lith. Title continues: by Stephen Glover...also The Princess of Wales March, by Stephen Glover, Pr. 3/- Pr. 3/-