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 light Guinea or Capt. Flash detected

One of 19 colored (with three uncolored) engraved caricatures; this one uncolored, published August 17, 1774; an officer with sword standing and a prostitute sitting, who weighs a coin paid her by the officer and finds it below weight. One of 19 colored (with three uncolored) engraved caricatures; this one uncolored, published August 17, 1774; an officer with sword standing and a prostitute sitting, who weighs a coin paid her by the officer and finds it below weight. Unbound; in red cloth portfolio, red leather backstrip label stamped gold; most clean, some worn.

The Light Dragoon

The Light Dragoon

Brown University

Unsigned original watercolor (by Rowlandson); mounted dragoon with upraised sword riding toward right into battle, over grotesque figures of enemy wounded on ground. Unsigned original watercolor (by Rowlandson); mounted dragoon with upraised sword riding toward right into battle, over grotesque figures of enemy wounded on ground. Small upright, in white paper mount; clean.

The Life of Man. [Plate 2]

Series of 8 hand-colored engraving narrative caricatures, on 1 sheet, including 3 with infantry officer in uniform, published 12 October 1794. Plate 2 of two plates: '[3] 'Is sent to College - loves a pretty girl much better than Euclid'. The interior of a college room. A buxom young woman (left) sits in a chair with a young man in academic cap and gown on her knee. They are startled by the entrance of an irate parson (right), who bursts open the door, overturning a small table on which are bottles and glasses. [4] 'Arrives to man's estate and becomes a prey to Sharpers'. A fracas at a gaming-table. The young man, now growing stout, has risen from his chair, clutching a dice-box and clenching his fist. Two men have been thrown to the ground, but two others of tough appearance remain seated, and a fifth enters the room holding a club...[7] 'Gets fond of his little family and his wife gets fond of his best friend and cuckolds him'. He sits in a chair in profile to the right, teaching two little boys and an older girl. All appear contented. Behind his back (right) a buxom woman and a military officer, their arms round each other's necks, watch him with amusement. She puts her hand above his head with two fingers extended to represent horns. [8] 'Flies for relief to the Bottle and mends his condition'. He staggers along (right to left), very drunk and dishevelled, supported by two aged watchmen each with a lantern. He holds the wig of a watchman whose hat he kicks along the street... [11] 'Is disbanded and wrecked on his return home'. He sits meditatively on a rock, his back to a raging sea in which a dismasted ship tosses. He wears neat regimentals and a cocked hat, and holds his sword, its point resting on the ground. [12] 'On his return home finds his family eating a sorry meal in a garret'. He rushes through a doorway (left), dropping his sword and holding out his arms to a pretty girl who rushes towards him. A delighted boy is behind her. Behind is a table with a loaf. The room is poverty-stricken...[15] 'Is arrested by his landlord for rent'. He stands pleading with a stout, surly-looking man (right). His weeping daughter, now a woman, stands between them. Behind him (left) is a ruffianly bailiff's man with a bludgeon. [16] 'Terminates his miseries in a Prison.' He sits in a dressing-gown in an arm-chair, his eyes closed. His daughter (left) puts her hand to his heart with an agonized expression. His son (right) covers his face with his hands. The hero, who is handsome throughout, and his good-looking family are not caricatured, as are many of the other figures (parson, doctor, watchmen, &c)' -- British Museum Series of 8 hand-colored engraving narrative caricatures, on 1 sheet, including 3 with infantry officer in uniform, published 12 October 1794. Plate 2 of two plates: '[3] 'Is sent to College - loves a pretty girl much better than Euclid'. The interior of a college room. A buxom young woman (left) sits in a chair with a young man in academic cap and gown on her knee. They are startled by the entrance of an irate parson (right), who bursts open the door, overturning a small table on which are bottles and glasses. [4] 'Arrives to man's estate and becomes a prey to Sharpers'. A fracas at a gaming-table. The young man, now growing stout, has risen from his chair, clutching a dice-box and clenching his fist. Two men have been thrown to the ground, but two others of tough appearance remain seated, and a fifth enters the room holding a club...[7] 'Gets fond of his little family and his wife gets fond of his best friend and cuckolds him'. He sits in a chair in profile to the right, teaching two little boys and an older girl. All appear contented. Behind his back (right) a buxom woman and a military officer, their arms round each other's necks, watch him with amusement. She puts her hand above his head with two fingers extended to represent horns. [8] 'Flies for relief to the Bottle and mends his condition'. He staggers along (right to left), very drunk and dishevelled, supported by two aged watchmen each with a lantern. He holds the wig of a watchman whose hat he kicks along the street... [11] 'Is disbanded and wrecked on his return home'. He sits meditatively on a rock, his back to a raging sea in which a dismasted ship tosses. He wears neat regimentals and a cocked hat, and holds his sword, its point resting on the ground. [12] 'On his return home finds his family eating a sorry meal in a garret'. He rushes through a doorway (left), dropping his sword and holding out his arms to a pretty girl who rushes towards him. A delighted boy is behind her. Behind is a table with a loaf. The room is poverty-stricken...[15] 'Is arrested by his landlord for rent'. He stands pleading with a stout, surly-looking man (right). His weeping daughter, now a woman, stands between them. Behind him (left) is a ruffianly bailiff's man with a bludgeon. [16] 'Terminates his miseries in a Prison.' He sits in a dressing-gown in an arm-chair, his eyes closed. His daughter (left) puts her hand to his heart with an agonized expression. His son (right) covers his face with his hands. The hero, who is handsome throughout, and his good-looking family are not caricatured, as are many of the other figures (parson, doctor, watchmen, &c)' -- British Museum Large upright folio; plate mark, margins intact; worn, creased. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1971.

The Life of a Soldier

The Life of a Soldier

Brown University

composed & arranged for the piano forte by Chas. W. Glover. Cover color lith. by M.& N. Hanhart of central figure of Chelsea Pensioners and 8 illustrations of military scenes corresponding to some of the parts.

The life of a sailor

The life of a sailor

Brown University

composed & arranged for the piano forte by Chas. W. Glover. Cover color lithographic design by M. & N. Hanhart: central image of Greenwich pensioner smoking pipe, border with 8 illustrations of naval scenes, busts, trophies corresponding to the 12 parts.

The Life Guards. Band, Rassing in Review: To The Colonel and Officers of the Regiment this Print is humbly Inscribed ...

Color engraving by John Harris after Martens, published Septr. 30, 1865; mounted officers and band marching towards left, smaller mounted figures of hussars, lancers, spectators etc. at review in background. Color engraving by John Harris after Martens, published Septr. 30, 1865; mounted officers and band marching towards left, smaller mounted figures of hussars, lancers, spectators etc. at review in background. Large oblong folio; plate mark; margins intact; margins soiled. London, W. M. Sabin, 1949.

The Life Guards, c. 1815

Original watercolor signed by Heath; mounted and standing figures, showing front and rear of uniform (inaccurately drawn), smaller mounted figures in right background. Original watercolor signed by Heath; mounted and standing figures, showing front and rear of uniform (inaccurately drawn), smaller mounted figures in right background. Small oblong folio, matted; margins. London, Peter Young, 1946. Title provided by cataloger.

The Life Guards polka

The Life Guards polka

Brown University

Subject: full-length figure of trooper standing beside horse; T. Packer Lith., Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Subject: full-length figure of trooper standing beside horse; T. Packer Lith., Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Title continues: By C.C. Amos.

The Life Guards polka

The Life Guards polka

Brown University

Subject: full-length figure of trooper standing beside horse; T. Packer Lith., Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Subject: full-length figure of trooper standing beside horse; T. Packer Lith., Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Title continues: By C.C. Amos.

The life and age of man

The life and age of man

Brown University

Hand-colored lithograph; 11 figures, on pedestal, showing 11 stages of a man's life, 2 of them in military uniform. Hand-colored lithograph; 11 figures, on pedestal, showing 11 stages of a man's life, 2 of them in military uniform. Oblong medium folio; margins intact; margins foxed. Chicago, Kenneth Nebenzahl, 1970.

The Levy

The Levy

Brown University

Hand-colored engraved semi-humorous plate; recruiting or training officer inspecting group of Indians in loincloths in foreground, small figures of Indian infantry, some in uniform, being drilled in landscape background. Hand-colored engraved semi-humorous plate; recruiting or training officer inspecting group of Indians in loincloths in foreground, small figures of Indian infantry, some in uniform, being drilled in landscape background. Small oblong folio, matted; margins intact; clean. New York, Milton L. Bernstein, 1946.

The Leicestershire Regt.: 17th Foot

Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; infantryman on guard with grounded rifle outside sentry box; note on verso : "no. 52, 4th set". Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; infantryman on guard with grounded rifle outside sentry box; note on verso : "no. 52, 4th set". Upright folio on board, unbound, in red portfolio stamped gold, "Original oil paintings for British regimental prints c. 1900-1910".

The Leicesters

The Leicesters

Brown University

One of a collection of 31 original gouache paintings of uniform figures signed Hudson or Cedric. Figure in red and navy with sword. One of a collection of 31 original gouache paintings of uniform figures signed Hudson or Cedric. Figure in red and navy with sword. Unbound; in red cloth portfolio stamped gold. London, Parker Gallery, 1965.

The leave-taking

The leave-taking

Brown University

Uncolored lithograph by Brangwyn; infantryman and woman saying farewell on train station platform. Uncolored lithograph by Brangwyn; infantryman and woman saying farewell on train station platform. Large square folio; margins; margin and left edge severely frayed and torn.

The Leadenhall Volunteer, drest in his shawl

Engraved caricature (by Gillray), published March 8th, 1797; East Indian Company infantryman standing at attention in uniform and Indian shawl, elephant entering at left, town of Golconda in background. Engraved caricature (by Gillray), published March 8th, 1797; East Indian Company infantryman standing at attention in uniform and Indian shawl, elephant entering at left, town of Golconda in background. Upright, matted; no margins.

The Latest Portrait of Napoleon on board the Bellerophon: Painted by C.L. Eastlake, R.A. in 1815

Colored stipple-engraving by J. Roberts after Eastlake; oval 3/4-length portrait in uniform, leaning on ship's rail with small telescope in hand. Colored stipple-engraving by J. Roberts after Eastlake; oval 3/4-length portrait in uniform, leaning on ship's rail with small telescope in hand. Upright medium folio, mounted on white paper; margins intact; clean. New York, Henry L. Bokelman, 1948.

The last stand

The last stand

Brown University

Tinted lithograph by Grignard after Remington; small party of (mostly wounded) U.S. troopers firing on advancing Filipino nationalists in bush or jungle. Tinted lithograph by Grignard after Remington; small party of (mostly wounded) U.S. troopers firing on advancing Filipino nationalists in bush or jungle. Large; margins; slightly worn, torn. N.Y., Argosy, 1954.

The last shot for the Queen's Prize, Wimbledon 1887

Photogravure after Staples; scene of rifle competition on field, prone men firing toward left, crowd of men and women spectators, some seated, tents etc. at right; row of small bust portraits of soldiers along bottom margin. Photogravure after Staples; scene of rifle competition on field, prone men firing toward left, crowd of men and women spectators, some seated, tents etc. at right; row of small bust portraits of soldiers along bottom margin. Large oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; clean. Dedham, MA, Henry Hornblower, 2007

The Last Reconnoissance: Death of Gen. Kearney

Lithograph by Bufford, published 27th Sept., 1862; Kearney mounted and galloping, shot at by soldiers in shrubbery at left. Lithograph by Bufford, published 27th Sept., 1862; Kearney mounted and galloping, shot at by soldiers in shrubbery at left. Small oblong folio; margins; matted; a few small spots in margins. Providence, James Tyson, 1952.

The last march of the conscripts, or Satan & his satellites hurled to the land of oblivion

A Russian Cossack (center) drives Napoleon and his fellow captives--Joseph Napoleon; Louis, ex-king of Holland; Jerome, ex-king of Westphalia and [probably] Murat--into exile. Chained two by two they march towards a smoke-filled chasm just outside of the borders of the image. On the left of the sheet, Talleyrand and two other figures in the background cheer this exile. On the right, murderous ghosts, including the Duke d'Engheim and Poisoned Soldiers, appear above the shackled group to condemn Napoleon. In the left foreground, a box full of crowns sits waiting for their return to the rightful owners. A Russian Cossack (center) drives Napoleon and his fellow captives--Joseph Napoleon; Louis, ex-king of Holland; Jerome, ex-king of Westphalia and [probably] Murat--into exile. Chained two by two they march towards a smoke-filled chasm just outside of the borders of the image. On the left of the sheet, Talleyrand and two other figures in the background cheer this exile. On the right, murderous ghosts, including the Duke d'Engheim and Poisoned Soldiers, appear above the shackled group to condemn Napoleon. In the left foreground, a box full of crowns sits waiting for their return to the rightful owners. Published by Samuel W. Fores, 1814-04-17. British Museum, BM 12225. This print corresponds with the allied victory over Napolen and his subsequent imprisonment on Elba. Caption: Pubd April 17th 1814 by S W Fores No 50 Piccadilly Dialogue: Cheering figures: "Huzza! There goes the whole Family" Dialogue: Napoleon's son: "Did'nt you promise me I shall be a King?" Miscellaneous: Cheering figures: "By the Universal execration of all France," "By Order of the Provisional Governt & by special favor of the Great Alexander." Labels: "murder'd generals," "Wright," "Palmyra," "Duke d'Engheim," "martyrs in Russia," "Poisioned soldiers."

The last march in brigade of the 42nd 79th and 93rd Highlanders from Dover Castle previous to their leaving England f...

Color lithograph by and after Burgess, printed by Hanhart; long line of Highland troops marching uphill on road in countryside, castle in left background, town and harbor in right distance, woman and girl on hay cart to the left of the road. Color lithograph by and after Burgess, printed by Hanhart; long line of Highland troops marching uphill on road in countryside, castle in left background, town and harbor in right distance, woman and girl on hay cart to the left of the road. Large oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; clean. London, Parker, 1955.

The last jig, or, Adieu to old England

Hand-colored etched caricature after Rowlandson, published January 20th, 1818; sailors and girls dancing, drinking and carousing below decks. Hand-colored etched caricature after Rowlandson, published January 20th, 1818; sailors and girls dancing, drinking and carousing below decks. Oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed close and false margins added; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1952.

The last harvest, or British threshers makeing French crops

In the center of the image, an English soldier grips the long pigtail of a fleeing French soldier in his left hand. In preparation for cropping the hairdo, his raised right hand holds a sword. Immediately behind this figure group, a cannon fires into a pack of French soldiers, who escape off the edge of a cliff into the ocean (l.). At this point some French soldiers have lost their hair, others their heads. British soldiers rush into the frame from the right. Like their comrade in the foreground of the image, their swords are raised high overhead. Collectively they form a machine for cutting the pigtails, or the heads, of their enemies. A paper lies at the feet of the French soldier in the foreground. The charge it gives, "A Gen. Junot, Foutez les ques Anglais. Napoleon," reveals that the English have turned the French orders around and it is they who now cut the tails of the French. In the center of the image, an English soldier grips the long pigtail of a fleeing French soldier in his left hand. In preparation for cropping the hairdo, his raised right hand holds a sword. Immediately behind this figure group, a cannon fires into a pack of French soldiers, who escape off the edge of a cliff into the ocean (l.). At this point some French soldiers have lost their hair, others their heads. British soldiers rush into the frame from the right. Like their comrade in the foreground of the image, their swords are raised high overhead. Collectively they form a machine for cutting the pigtails, or the heads, of their enemies. A paper lies at the feet of the French soldier in the foreground. The charge it gives, "A Gen. Junot, Foutez les ques Anglais. Napoleon," reveals that the English have turned the French orders around and it is they who now cut the tails of the French. Inscription: Pubd. Septr. [rubbed out] by Walker [rubbed out]/ where may be had all the new caricatures.

The Last Eleven at Maiwand

Color stipple-engraving by Tomkins after Feller, dated 1882 by artist, published April 9th, 1884; last stand of group of British riflemen, with mascot dog, trapped in valley by Afghan cavalry. Color stipple-engraving by Tomkins after Feller, dated 1882 by artist, published April 9th, 1884; last stand of group of British riflemen, with mascot dog, trapped in valley by Afghan cavalry. Giant oblong folio, matted; plate mark, margins intact; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1965.

The Last Effort and Fall of Tippoo Sultaun

Steel-engraved plate (from book) by J. Rogers after Singleton; Indian leader and soldiers overwhelmed by British beneath arcade, figures of Indian soldier and British soldier at left and right, vignette of surrender of Tippoo's sons at bottom. Steel-engraved plate (from book) by J. Rogers after Singleton; Indian leader and soldiers overwhelmed by British beneath arcade, figures of Indian soldier and British soldier at left and right, vignette of surrender of Tippoo's sons at bottom. Oblong; margins; edges stained. London, Spencer, 1955.

The landing of troops from H.M.T. River Clyde: at Sedd-El-Bahr, Gallipoli, April 25th, 1915

Color print by and after Dixon; battle scene in narrow strait or inlet; British troops disembarking under fire, on linked boats, from large troop ship, which is firing its guns. Color print by and after Dixon; battle scene in narrow strait or inlet; British troops disembarking under fire, on linked boats, from large troop ship, which is firing its guns. Large oblong folio; margins; clean.

The Landing of the British Army at Mondego Bay: To Capn. Pultaney Malcolm R.N. to whom was confided the Naval Command...

1st in collection of 12 (of 13) numbered and unnumbered hand-colored engravings by Vendramini, Heath and Schiavonetti after Leveque, published April 2, 1812; scene of military landing party assembling on beach, warship in right background, town across harbor in distant background. 1st in collection of 12 (of 13) numbered and unnumbered hand-colored engravings by Vendramini, Heath and Schiavonetti after Leveque, published April 2, 1812; scene of military landing party assembling on beach, warship in right background, town across harbor in distant background. Oblong folio, matted; most with plate mark and margins intact; some slightly soiled. From 'Campaigns of the British Army in Portugal...' London, Parker Gallery, 1954.