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 King's (Liverpool and Manchester) Regiment: Captain, Service Dress ... 1965

Original watercolor drawing signed and dated by M.C. Tsen; standing uniform figure; accompanied by short typewritten text. Original watercolor drawing signed and dated by M.C. Tsen; standing uniform figure; accompanied by short typewritten text. Small upright folio; margins; clean. Presented, 1965, by M.C. Tsen.

The King's "Own" Regiments of the Indian Army

Color plate after de Haenen; uniform groups outdoors; decorative border. Color plate after de Haenen; uniform groups outdoors; decorative border. From 'The Illustrated London News Coronation Number', 1911. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1955.

The King. as his Majesty appeared at the Reviews in St. James's Park

Hand-colored lithograph after J.D. (John Doyle) 'sketched from memory', printed by Hullmandel. published Novr. 1830; full-length portrait of William IV in uniform with aide and staff. Hand-colored lithograph after J.D. (John Doyle) 'sketched from memory', printed by Hullmandel. published Novr. 1830; full-length portrait of William IV in uniform with aide and staff. Oblong, matted; margins; slightly soiled. New York, Harry H. Hymes, 1947.

The King of the Sea

The King of the Sea

Brown University

lyric by Charles C. Clark ; music by Tony Clark For voice and piano. Cover title. Cover design of triumphal arch with oval portrait of Admiral Dewey and 6 smaller portraits of naval and military leaders (Shafter, Schley, Sampson, Hobson, Evans and Roosevelt) First line of text: Oh, the king of the sea is our Admiral Dewey First line of chorus: Then the people of our land let us greet by the hand

The King of Italy at Naples (Illustrated Times text)

Letters from Naples describe the reception of the King of Italy as one of the most remarkable demonstrations that has ever taken place in Europe. Letters from Naples describe the reception of the King of Italy as one of the most remarkable demonstrations that has ever taken place in Europe. Published in Illustrated Times, May 10, 1862, vol. 1, p. 31.

The King of Brobdingnag and Gulliver

George III (r.), in the guise of John Swift's character, the King of Brobdignag, holds Napoleon (l.) in the palm of his hand. Both figures are rendered in profile views which depict their hallmark features to best advantage. George III's double chin and hooked nose draw a sharp contrast with Napoleon's lean, sharp features. For the King of England, Napoleon is an odd specimen to be examined through a spy glass and the threats he makes are of little consequence. Both George III and Napoleon wear military uniforms. Whereas the gold braid and decoration on George III's uniform indicates his legitimate status, Napoleon's elaborate cocked hat and tricolored sash highlight his connection to the regicidal French Revolution. Mary George notes that the only significant changes between the original Gillray design and Williams' copy is in the punctuation of the text. The hand coloring, however, when compared to the Gillray, is less finished and vivid. George III (r.), in the guise of John Swift's character, the King of Brobdignag, holds Napoleon (l.) in the palm of his hand. Both figures are rendered in profile views which depict their hallmark features to best advantage. George III's double chin and hooked nose draw a sharp contrast with Napoleon's lean, sharp features. For the King of England, Napoleon is an odd specimen to be examined through a spy glass and the threats he makes are of little consequence. Both George III and Napoleon wear military uniforms. Whereas the gold braid and decoration on George III's uniform indicates his legitimate status, Napoleon's elaborate cocked hat and tricolored sash highlight his connection to the regicidal French Revolution. Mary George notes that the only significant changes between the original Gillray design and Williams' copy is in the punctuation of the text. The hand coloring, however, when compared to the Gillray, is less finished and vivid. Published by Samuel W. Fores, 1803-07-01. British Museum, BM 10019 A. Significantly, this sheet is a close copy of Gillray's original design. Williams, the copyist, made the sheet for publication by S.W. Fores, a printer who had a reputation for publishing piracies, copies and inexpensive images. See Broadley 522 for Gillray's design. Caption: Vide Swift's Gulliver: voyage to Brobdingnag Caption: Pubd July 1st 1803 by S W Forest 50 Piccadilly Dialogue: George III: "My little friend Grildrig, you have made a most admirable panegyric upon Yourself and Country but from what I can gather from your own relation & the answers I have with much pains wring'd & extorted from you, I cannot but conclude you to be one of the most pernicious little odious reptiles that nature ever suffer'd to crawl upon the surface of the Earth."

The King inspecting the Naval engineer students at Keyham, 1902

Original wash and tempera drawing by Browne, initialed G.B.; Edward VII in naval uniform and cape, accompanied by officers, inspecting cadets. Original wash and tempera drawing by Browne, initialed G.B.; Edward VII in naval uniform and cape, accompanied by officers, inspecting cadets. For The Graphic, March 15, 1902 London, Ifan Kyrle Fletcher, 1953.

The King as the head of the Army

2nd of 3 halftone plates, being pages 45, 47, 49 from 'The Graphic Life of King Edward', May 11, 1910; 3/4-length portraits in uniform of Admiral of the Fleet, Field-Marshal, Colonel-in-Chief of 1st Prussian Dragoon Guards, the last being after Emil Fuchs. 2nd of 3 halftone plates, being pages 45, 47, 49 from 'The Graphic Life of King Edward', May 11, 1910; 3/4-length portraits in uniform of Admiral of the Fleet, Field-Marshal, Colonel-in-Chief of 1st Prussian Dragoon Guards, the last being after Emil Fuchs. Upright folio; margins intact; clean.

The Khyber Pass galop

The Khyber Pass galop

Brown University

Subject: 'Outlook house in the Khyber Pass', showing soldiers standing near building watching troops marching through pass. Subject: 'Outlook house in the Khyber Pass', showing soldiers standing near building watching troops marching through pass. Title continues: Composed by W. H. Westover, performed with great success at Hamilton's Grand Diorama. Price 1/- nett.

The Kentish Lottery, or A new way to pay old debts

Hand-colored etched caricature, published July 1819; Duke of Kent in uniform and Lord Mayor Sir Matthew Wood in official robes advertising lottery to passersby in street, with a Jewish man eager to buy into a fraudulent lottery scheme. Hand-colored etched caricature, published July 1819; Duke of Kent in uniform and Lord Mayor Sir Matthew Wood in official robes advertising lottery to passersby in street, with a Jewish man eager to buy into a fraudulent lottery scheme. Small oblong folio; plate mark, margins; slightly soiled. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1964.

The Kassassin galop

The Kassassin galop

Brown University

Subject: British cavalry charging against Egyptian infantry in trench; Alfred Concanen del. Subject: British cavalry charging against Egyptian infantry in trench; Alfred Concanen del. Title continues: Dedicated to Col. H.P. Ewart, C.B., the officers, non-commissioned officers & troopers of the Household Cavalry, by W. Winterbottom, Bandmaster 2nd Life Guards. Pr. 4/-

The K.R.R.'s. Celer et Audax!

Original watercolor caricature on gray board signed by Swaddie (pseudonym); officer figure in profile, walking towards left. Original watercolor caricature on gray board signed by Swaddie (pseudonym); officer figure in profile, walking towards left. Upright medium folio, matted; margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1972.

The Japs came over every night!

Two Marines are seen from the back, peering out of a bunker, surrounded by lush jungle foliage. Two Marines are seen from the back, peering out of a bunker, surrounded by lush jungle foliage. Reeks joined the USMC in 1941 and saw action on Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Bougainville and Saipan. He was the only official combat artist to land on Iwo Jima with the invasion force and spent thirty days on the island sketching the campaign.

The Italian campaign: Quadrille

'Peace illuminations in Paris', showing soldiers and spectators in foreground watching firework display by river; J. Brandard, M. & N. Hanhart, Imp. 'Peace illuminations in Paris', showing soldiers and spectators in foreground watching firework display by river; J. Brandard, M. & N. Hanhart, Imp. by Chas D'Albert. Price 4/-

The iron heel vs. the mailed fist, the pacifist, and the pessimist

Poster showing a mule "American industry" braying, having just kicked "Kaiserism," "Pacifist," and "Hard times." Poster showing a mule "American industry" braying, having just kicked "Kaiserism," "Pacifist," and "Hard times." Morris. Title continues: Industry - the mule as patriot. American industry is loyal - it is out for the flag. It subscribed to the Liberty Loan with four feet. You can bleed it almost to death for the Red Cross. Don't make any mistake, industry is doing its bit. Give industry a show as a patriot. "Issued by the National Industrial Conservation Movement, 30 Church Street, New York City. Copies supplied on request." "E-1."

The Irishmans retort

The Irishmans retort

Brown University

Hand colored etched caricature by N.H., after Woodward, published July 1806; man seated near table at left, talking to Irishman standing at right. Hand colored etched caricature by N.H., after Woodward, published July 1806; man seated near table at left, talking to Irishman standing at right. Oblong medium folio; margins trimmed close; worn and yellowed. Preston, Lancs., Export Book Co., 1955.

The Irish lancer polka

The Irish lancer polka

Brown University

Subject: Mounted officer leading on squadron. Subject: Mounted officer leading on squadron. Title continues: Composed by Charles Nicholson. Price 4/- Dedicated by special permission to the Colonel and officers of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers.

The Irish Guards

The Irish Guards

Brown University

2nd in collection of one of 3 suites of original gouache paintings on gray board, signed Hudson or Cedric; group of marching uniform figures, with half- and full-length individual uniform figures, one mounted, below. 2nd in collection of one of 3 suites of original gouache paintings on gray board, signed Hudson or Cedric; group of marching uniform figures, with half- and full-length individual uniform figures, one mounted, below. Large upright folio; margins intact; clean, slightly faded. London, Foster Groom, 1950.

The Irish Guards

The Irish Guards

Brown University

Color photogravure after Merry; Guards emerging from gate of Buckingham Palace, preceded by band and Irish wolfhound mascot, spectators at left. Color photogravure after Merry; Guards emerging from gate of Buckingham Palace, preceded by band and Irish wolfhound mascot, spectators at left. Large oblong folio; plate mark, margins intact; edges worn. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.

The Irish Guards

The Irish Guards

Brown University

Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; 2 infantrymen with grounded rifles in foreground, bagpiper in khaki walking at right, park in background; sketch of profile head and horse on verso; note on verso : "no. 35, 7th set". Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; 2 infantrymen with grounded rifles in foreground, bagpiper in khaki walking at right, park in background; sketch of profile head and horse on verso; note on verso : "no. 35, 7th set". Upright folio on board, unbound, in red portfolio stamped gold, "Original oil paintings for British regimental prints c. 1900-1910".

The Irish Guards

The Irish Guards

Brown University

One of a collection of 11 original tempera drawings on gray board, most signed by Red (pseudonym). One of a collection of 11 original tempera drawings on gray board, most signed by Red (pseudonym). Upright medium folio; margins intact; corner crumpled. Series title supplied by cataloger. London, Ifan Kyrle Fletcher, 1952

The Irish captain

The Irish captain

Brown University

Caricature of captain of Inniskilling Dragoons knocking at door; initialled 'A.B.', W. Spalding Lith.; T. Packer, Del & Imp Caricature of captain of Inniskilling Dragoons knocking at door; initialled 'A.B.', W. Spalding Lith.; T. Packer, Del & Imp Title continues: (Sung by Mr. Seymour Smith, in his popular entertainments). Written by H.A. Acton, Arranged by Seymour Smith

The invincibles: written expressly for Made. Vestris

by J.M. Rycott Esq. Sung by Miss Clara Fisher. For voice and piano. First line of text: When the merry fife and drum, and the bugles loudly play. Lithographed. The illus. is signed: Mesier's Lithogy. N.Y. Cover illustration: Soldiers and officers (West Point cadets?) in parade dress uniforms on parapet above river, with comic officers in foreground.

The investiture of Knights of the Bath by Lord Stratford de Redcliffe of the officers of the Navy and Army. Headquart...

Original unfinished unsigned watercolor on white paper, (probably by E.A. Goodall, special artist for the Illustrated London News; view towards ceremonial pavilion or platform with large flags in front, showing soldiers in foreground watching investiture. Mss notation in ink: 'June 1856 M.D'Aquilar' (possibly purchaser of picture). Original unfinished unsigned watercolor on white paper, (probably by E.A. Goodall, special artist for the Illustrated London News; view towards ceremonial pavilion or platform with large flags in front, showing soldiers in foreground watching investiture. Mss notation in ink: 'June 1856 M.D'Aquilar' (possibly purchaser of picture). Reproduced in the Illustrated London News, September 29, 1855, page 384 as 'Investiture of the Order of the Bath by Lord Statford de Redcliffe before Sebastopol - sketched by E.A. Goodall' London. Parker, 1965.

The interview, or Miss out of her teens

Hand-colored etched caricature, unsigned, published March 1816; George IV at left propelling German officer or prince (Leopold of Saxe-Coburg) toward Princess Charlotte of Wales(?) with skipping rope, and Queen Charlotte at right, indoors. Hand-colored etched caricature, unsigned, published March 1816; George IV at left propelling German officer or prince (Leopold of Saxe-Coburg) toward Princess Charlotte of Wales(?) with skipping rope, and Queen Charlotte at right, indoors. Oblong medium folio; margins trimmed; upper left corner turned away. N.Y., Walter Schatzki, 1958.

The interior of the pavillion: the installation of the order of the Bath

Original unfinished unsigned wash drawing on gray paper (by Julian Porch, special artist for the Illustrated Times); personage on steps of dais bestowing collar of order on kneeling officer; numerous persons in uniform grouped about. Manuscript notes on verso. Original unfinished unsigned wash drawing on gray paper (by Julian Porch, special artist for the Illustrated Times); personage on steps of dais bestowing collar of order on kneeling officer; numerous persons in uniform grouped about. Manuscript notes on verso. Reproduced in the Illustrated Times, 22 September 1855, page 261 as 'Lord Stratford De Redcliffe conferring the Orders of the Bath'

The Interior of Hougoumont during the battle on the glorious 18th of June, 1815

Color aquatint by Sutherland after A.M.S., numbered II, published Feby. 1st, 1816; view of combat and troops on slope before exploding and burning buildings. [See also: View of the village of Waterloo, the day after the battle.] Color aquatint by Sutherland after A.M.S., numbered II, published Feby. 1st, 1816; view of combat and troops on slope before exploding and burning buildings. [See also: View of the village of Waterloo, the day after the battle.] Oblong foliio, matted; plate mark, margins; slightly soiled. London, Parker Gallery, 1955.