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 Maharajah and Resident watching an elephant fight

1 of 31 original gouache paintings (by Ram Dutta?) in an album;two elephants fighting watched by Rajah and attendants, and British resident and officials, the whole surrounded by armed figures. Title from ink inscription on opposite page 1 of 31 original gouache paintings (by Ram Dutta?) in an album;two elephants fighting watched by Rajah and attendants, and British resident and officials, the whole surrounded by armed figures. Title from ink inscription on opposite page Album inscribed in ink on flyleaf 'Wm. Jenkins. Ram dutta' Small upright folio. London, Maggs, 1978. 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 magnanimous minister chastiseing Prussian perfidy

Standing in the center of the sheet, Charles James Fox raises his sword against Frederick William III, who kneels in supplication to the left of the image. While the hand extended towards the Emperor of Prussia wields a sword, Fox's right hand, tucked behind his back, displays a sheet inscribed "State of the Nation." Napoleon, standing on the far right behind Fox, leans in to inspect the sheet Fox holds. Significantly, all three figures are grotesqued and represented as villians of equal disrepute. However, it is Fox, who poses the most danger to Britain through his muddled loyalties. Although the composition of this image is a copy of Gillray's image published in 1806, the spirit of the original has been lost in the translation. The engraver has adapted Gillray's design to a smaller sheet, and flattened out the figures. The colors and quality of line lack the energy and subtlety found in Gillray's caricatures. Additionally, the obvious spelling mistake in the title is curious and presently unaccounted for. Standing in the center of the sheet, Charles James Fox raises his sword against Frederick William III, who kneels in supplication to the left of the image. While the hand extended towards the Emperor of Prussia wields a sword, Fox's right hand, tucked behind his back, displays a sheet inscribed "State of the Nation." Napoleon, standing on the far right behind Fox, leans in to inspect the sheet Fox holds. Significantly, all three figures are grotesqued and represented as villians of equal disrepute. However, it is Fox, who poses the most danger to Britain through his muddled loyalties. Although the composition of this image is a copy of Gillray's image published in 1806, the spirit of the original has been lost in the translation. The engraver has adapted Gillray's design to a smaller sheet, and flattened out the figures. The colors and quality of line lack the energy and subtlety found in Gillray's caricatures. Additionally, the obvious spelling mistake in the title is curious and presently unaccounted for. Published by John Miller, n.d. British Museum, BM 10560a (?). John Miller, the publisher whose name appears on this sheet, published copies after Gillray's designs. Most of these are smaller in scale than the originals. Here the supposed republican sympathies of the Whig party are highlighted in a criticism of Fox, the party's leader. Despite Fox's public display of contempt for Napoleon and other enemies of the British Empire, he is secretly in cahoots with the French. Mary George notes that this sheet is a 'satire on Fox's speech of 23 April on the King's message, (21 April), relating to Prussia. By Proclamation of 28 Mar. British ships were excluded from all ports within Prussian control.' Caption: London Published by John Miller Bridge Street & W. Blackwood Edinburgh Dialogue: Fox: "O you Prussian Marauder, you!--what I've caught you at last?--what you took me for a double-faced-Talleyrand! did you?--did you think I was like yourself, to look one way and row another?--what you thought because I make Loyal Speeches now I must be a Turncoat?__O you Frenchified villain! I'll teach you to humbug & insult my poor, dear dear master?--& to join with such Rascals as Boney & O'Conner! Dialogue: Prussian: "indeed! indeed! indeed! I could not help it." Inscription: Vide Morning Chronicle

The magnanimous ally

The magnanimous ally

Brown University

Paul I of Russia, decorated and resplendant in military garb, haughtily stands in profile on the shores of the Mediterranean. A trampled and torn "Treaty of Peace" lies under his boots. Behind him, Malta flies the Union Jack. Here Paul I wears the two crosses of the Order of St. John and a ribbon. According to George, "he had been elected Grand Master in October of 1798 by the Knights, exiled in Malta, who had sought refuge in Russia." Paul I of Russia, decorated and resplendant in military garb, haughtily stands in profile on the shores of the Mediterranean. A trampled and torn "Treaty of Peace" lies under his boots. Behind him, Malta flies the Union Jack. Here Paul I wears the two crosses of the Order of St. John and a ribbon. According to George, "he had been elected Grand Master in October of 1798 by the Knights, exiled in Malta, who had sought refuge in Russia." Published by Hannah Humphrey, 1801-01-20. British Museum, BM 9700. This image is not listed in Broadley. As Mary George notes, this image is a reissue of BM 9415, originally published by H. Humphrey on Nov. 17, 1799. This print expresses dislike of the alliance with Russia and mistrust of Paul I. Caption: Published Jany 20th 1801 by H. Humphrey No 27 St. James's Street London Inscription: Painted at Petersburg

The Macdonald march

The Macdonald march

Brown University

Subject: Bust portrait of Macdonald in dress uniform with decorations; 'By permission from a photo by Messrs. Heath & Co.' Subject: Bust portrait of Macdonald in dress uniform with decorations; 'By permission from a photo by Messrs. Heath & Co.' Title continues: by Theo. Bonheur. Sheet trimmed deleting publishing information. Theo Bonheur was a pseudonym of Charles Rawlings.

The macaroni print shop

The macaroni print shop

Brown University

Satiric drawing of seven men standing in front of the window of Darly's shop looking at his caricature publications in the window. July 14th 1772 Satiric drawing of seven men standing in front of the window of Darly's shop looking at his caricature publications in the window. July 14th 1772

The macaroni captains

The macaroni captains

Brown University

One, uncolored, of 19 colored (with three uncolored) engraved caricatures, published Sepr. 17th, 1772; two captains with swords, one in red uniform the other in blue, fighting against geese. One, uncolored, of 19 colored (with three uncolored) engraved caricatures, published Sepr. 17th, 1772; two captains with swords, one in red uniform the other in blue, fighting against geese. Unbound; in red cloth portfolio, red leather backstrip label stamped gold; most clean, some worn.

The macaroni captains

The macaroni captains

Brown University

One of 19 colored (with three uncolored) engraved caricatures, published Sepr. 17th, 1772; two captains with swords, one in red uniform the other in blue, fighting against geese. One of 19 colored (with three uncolored) engraved caricatures, published Sepr. 17th, 1772; two captains with swords, one in red uniform the other in blue, fighting against geese. Unbound; in red cloth portfolio, red leather backstrip label stamped gold; most clean, some worn.

The Lying in State at Chelsea Hospital of the Duke of Wellington: from the 11th to 17th Novr. 1852. As visited Novr. ...

Lithograph by W. Simpson after Haghe, printed by Day & Son; view towards catafalque at end of hall, showing funeral decorations and mourners. Lithograph by W. Simpson after Haghe, printed by Day & Son; view towards catafalque at end of hall, showing funeral decorations and mourners. Upright medium folio; margins trimmed close. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1961.

The lucky mistake, or The buck & blood flourishing Macaroni - playing a solo on the jelly glasses

Portion of caricature (after Austin), published May 1st, 1773; horseman with sword and long peruke flourishing whip, mounted on rearing horse; the right hand half of the caricature, showing a cripple whom the horseman has knocked down, has been cut off. Portion of caricature (after Austin), published May 1st, 1773; horseman with sword and long peruke flourishing whip, mounted on rearing horse; the right hand half of the caricature, showing a cripple whom the horseman has knocked down, has been cut off. Upright (should be oblong medium folio), mounted on cream paper; margins severely trimmed; holes in paper, some soiling. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1962.

The loyall sacrifice

The loyall sacrifice

Brown University

Engraved political caricature; row of roundheads with muskets about to execute royalist who addresses parting words to them, another lies dead. Engraved political caricature; row of roundheads with muskets about to execute royalist who addresses parting words to them, another lies dead. Depicts the execution of Sir George Lisle and Sir Charles Lucas in 1648; frontispiece to 'The Loyall Sacrifice' (London, 1648) -- British Museum London, Spencer, 1955.

The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (80th Foot)

Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; 2 infantrymen standing near wall with shouldered rifles, figure at right in profile, reading from tablet. Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; 2 infantrymen standing near wall with shouldered rifles, figure at right in profile, reading from tablet. 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 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

51st 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 infantrymen with grounded rifles, in conversation, building in background; note on verso: "44th". 51st 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 infantrymen with grounded rifles, in conversation, building in background; note on verso: "44th". Oblong and upright; a few soiled; in folio red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Unsigned original watercolor by McNeill; 2 infantrymen, in red jackets, in conversation near stone building wall. Title on verso. Unsigned original watercolor by McNeill; 2 infantrymen, in red jackets, in conversation near stone building wall. Title on verso. Upright; no margins; stained.

The Louisiana outrages--President Grant demands "unconditional surrender"

Political cartoon; president standing by cannon, soldiers around it, another to his right, state capital in distance. Political cartoon; president standing by cannon, soldiers around it, another to his right, state capital in distance. From Harper's Weekly, October 3, 1874, page 809. Hanover, N.H., Book & Print Shop, 1955.

The Louis Napoleon polka & schottische

Oval half-length portrait of 'Louis Napoleon Buonaparte, President of the French Republic' in uniform, vignettes of parade, and battle at barricade, on each side. Oval half-length portrait of 'Louis Napoleon Buonaparte, President of the French Republic' in uniform, vignettes of parade, and battle at barricade, on each side. The Musical Bouquet, No. 327. Half-page score on cover and full page on verso.

The Lothians and Berwickshire Yeomanry

Original ink and watercolor drawing signed and dated by Clark; mounted colonel reviewing mounted soldiers; Original ink and watercolor drawing signed and dated by Clark; mounted colonel reviewing mounted soldiers; Wood-engraved plate after the above original, published in 'The Regiment', April 15, 1899, page 41, mounted on verso London, Parker Gallery, 1958.

The loss of Eden - and Eden! Lost

Hand-colored etched caricature (after Rowlandson), published December 21, 1785. 'William Eden (right) rushes towards Benedict Arnold (left) who receives him with open arms. Eden's right hand, holding a pen, is on his breast, in his left he holds out a paper inscribed 'Liberty'. From his coat-pocket three documents protrude: 'Commissn to America'; '£6,000 pr Annum', and 'Commercl Negotiator to France'. Arnold, in regimentals, wearing a hat and holding a sword in his right hand, is saying 'Liberty', his eyes turned sanctimoniously upwards. Across the design is etched: 'NB every Man has his Price Sr Robt Walpole's Politicks'. Beneath the design is etched: 'Two Patriots (in the self same Age was Born,) And both alike have gain'd the Public scorn, This to America did much pretend, The other was to Ireland a Friend, Yet Sword, or Oratory, would not do, As each had different Plans in Veiw, America lost! Arnold, & Alass! To loose our Eden now is come to pass.' -- British Museum Hand-colored etched caricature (after Rowlandson), published December 21, 1785. 'William Eden (right) rushes towards Benedict Arnold (left) who receives him with open arms. Eden's right hand, holding a pen, is on his breast, in his left he holds out a paper inscribed 'Liberty'. From his coat-pocket three documents protrude: 'Commissn to America'; '£6,000 pr Annum', and 'Commercl Negotiator to France'. Arnold, in regimentals, wearing a hat and holding a sword in his right hand, is saying 'Liberty', his eyes turned sanctimoniously upwards. Across the design is etched: 'NB every Man has his Price Sr Robt Walpole's Politicks'. Beneath the design is etched: 'Two Patriots (in the self same Age was Born,) And both alike have gain'd the Public scorn, This to America did much pretend, The other was to Ireland a Friend, Yet Sword, or Oratory, would not do, As each had different Plans in Veiw, America lost! Arnold, & Alass! To loose our Eden now is come to pass.' -- British Museum Small oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; yellowed, slightly soiled. N.Y., Old Print Shop, 1953.

The look-out

The look-out

Brown University

French soldier peering through dug-out with binoculars; another standing by his side. Charcoal drawing signed and dated lower right: L. Jonas Mars 1918. French soldier peering through dug-out with binoculars; another standing by his side. Charcoal drawing signed and dated lower right: L. Jonas Mars 1918. Upright folio.

The London Scottish

The London Scottish

Brown University

One of a collection of 31 original gouache paintings of uniform figures signed Hudson or Cedric. Figure in kilt with rifle. One of a collection of 31 original gouache paintings of uniform figures signed Hudson or Cedric. Figure in kilt with rifle. Unbound; in red cloth portfolio stamped gold. London, Parker Gallery, 1961.

The Lonach Highlanders marching past Her Majesty Queen Victoria: Balmoral, September 7th 1899

Original somewhat crude ink and watercolor drawing signed by E.M.D.K.; Queen Victoria in pony carriage in left center background watching march-past of Highlanders with lances, other Highlanders with halberds drawn up at left. Original somewhat crude ink and watercolor drawing signed by E.M.D.K.; Queen Victoria in pony carriage in left center background watching march-past of Highlanders with lances, other Highlanders with halberds drawn up at left. Small oblong folio, matted; no margins. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1953.

The Liverpool Scottish

The Liverpool Scottish

Brown University

One of a collection of 31 original gouache paintings of uniform figures signed Hudson or Cedric. Figure in kilt. One of a collection of 31 original gouache paintings of uniform figures signed Hudson or Cedric. Figure in kilt. Unbound; in red cloth portfolio stamped gold. London, Parker Gallery, 1961.

The little volunteer

The little volunteer

Brown University

Colored lithograph by Currier & Ives; child in red and blue uniform with small gun, pack, etc. Colored lithograph by Currier & Ives; child in red and blue uniform with small gun, pack, etc. Upright folio, matted; margins slightly trimmed; slightly stained and soiled.

The little drummer's polka

Subject: drummer-boy of the Grenadier Guards, two soldiers in background by tent; J. Brandard, Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Subject: drummer-boy of the Grenadier Guards, two soldiers in background by tent; J. Brandard, Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Title continues: Composed by J. Pridham. Pr. 3/-

The little drummer

The little drummer

Brown University

Drummer boy of Garde Impériale in a field, two soldiers, tents and flag in background: T. Packer, del et lith, Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Drummer boy of Garde Impériale in a field, two soldiers, tents and flag in background: T. Packer, del et lith, Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Song written by George Linley. The music composed by A. Leduc. Price 3/-

The Lindsey Blues polka

The Lindsey Blues polka

Brown University

arranged for the piano forte by Thomas Baker and respectfully dedicated to Capt. Thomas Price. Cover lithographic illustration by Sarony, Major and Knapp: four soldiers in uniforms, tents and foliage in background.

The Lincolnshire Regt., 10th Foot

Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; soldier with shouldered rifle and officer in long blue coat crossing paths outdoors. Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; soldier with shouldered rifle and officer in long blue coat crossing paths outdoors. Folio, unbound; some edges etc. soiled and worn, but images in good condition; in 2 red cloth cases, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Lincolnshire Regiment

3rd 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, holding grounded rifle, facing forward; insignia in upper left, "Egypt"; pencil note on verso : "10th". 3rd 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, holding grounded rifle, facing forward; insignia in upper left, "Egypt"; pencil note on verso : "10th". Oblong and upright, 61 pieces; a few soiled; in folio red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Lincolnshire Regiment

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