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 Fifteenth Amendment: Celebrated May 19th 1870

Color lithograph; view of African-American parade, showing uniforms in center, zouave drummers, surrounded by 16 vignettes showing former slaves enjoying freedoms. Color lithograph; view of African-American parade, showing uniforms in center, zouave drummers, surrounded by 16 vignettes showing former slaves enjoying freedoms. Large oblong folio, matted; margins. New York, Milton L. Bernstein, 1946.

The Field of Waterloo, as it appeared the morning after the memorable Battle of the 18th June 1815

Color aquatint by M. Dubourg after Clark, published Jany. 18th, 1817; view of battlefield strewn with dead and wounded, burying details, scavengers etc. at work, several women around, some taken with emotion at seeing their dead or dying husbands Color aquatint by M. Dubourg after Clark, published Jany. 18th, 1817; view of battlefield strewn with dead and wounded, burying details, scavengers etc. at work, several women around, some taken with emotion at seeing their dead or dying husbands Large oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; somewhat soiled, creased. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1950.

The female agent

The female agent

Brown University

Song-sheet with etched caricature illustration of woman (Mrs. Clarke) seated on drum at right with soldier trumpeter, flag-bearer and sentries, receiving delegation entering at left. Song-sheet with etched caricature illustration of woman (Mrs. Clarke) seated on drum at right with soldier trumpeter, flag-bearer and sentries, receiving delegation entering at left. Upright medium folio; plate mark, margins; yellowed. Camden, Me., Staack, 1961.

The feather bonnet

The feather bonnet

Brown University

Subject: Highland soldier standing near loch in mountainous landscape; A.S. Mallett, printer, Wardour St. W. Subject: Highland soldier standing near loch in mountainous landscape; A.S. Mallett, printer, Wardour St. W. Title continues: The words and march written & composed by C.E.S. and respectfully dedicated to the Highland Brigade. Price 4/-

The fatherland, the motherland: the land of my best girl

words by Ballard Macdonald ; music by Harry Carroll For voice and piano Caption title Advertisement for "Tip-tip Tipperary Mary": p. [2] Advertisement for "The gem dance folio for 1915", in blue ink: p. [6] Cover illustration: seated man envisaging battle scene [Defence of Champigny by Edouard Detaille] / E.H. Pfeiffer Photographs of Ballard Macdonald, Harry Carroll, Alfred Bryan and eleven other songwriters: p. [6] Advertisement for "By the beautiful sea": cop. 2, cop. 4, p. [2] Advertisement for "On the Island of Pines": cop. 3, p. [2] Advertisement for "The gem dance folio for 1915", in red ink: cop. 3, cop. 4, p. [2]

The Farragut obsequies - the funeral procession passing up Broadway

Wood-engraved plate after Davis; coffin with naval and military pall-bearers and guard paraded through city street. Wood-engraved plate after Davis; coffin with naval and military pall-bearers and guard paraded through city street. From Harper's Weekly, October 15, 1870, page 657. Hanover, N.H., Book & Print Shop, 1956.

The Farewell

The Farewell

Brown University

One of a pair of color stipple engravings by Robert Cooper after Corbould, piblished Augt. 1, 1812; hussar taking leave of clinging wife and child; [See also The Return]. One of a pair of color stipple engravings by Robert Cooper after Corbould, piblished Augt. 1, 1812; hussar taking leave of clinging wife and child; [See also The Return]. Upright; margins trimmed; soiled. London, Refern, 1955. 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 farewell

The farewell

Brown University

Mezzotint, numbered 228; sentimental scene of young cavalryman and young woman embracing beside horse. Mezzotint, numbered 228; sentimental scene of young cavalryman and young woman embracing beside horse. Upright folio, matted; plate mark, margins; clean. London, Slpencer, 1953.

The Fanfare polka

The Fanfare polka

Brown University

Subject: Coldstream Guards parading, fashionable spectators in right foreground; 'J. A. Martin Delt', 'T. W. Lee Imp. Subject: Coldstream Guards parading, fashionable spectators in right foreground; 'J. A. Martin Delt', 'T. W. Lee Imp. Title continues: By Charles D'Albert. Orchestra 3/-, Septett 2/-, Price 3/, Duet 4/

The Fall of Sebastopol: Recitative and aria

French infantry storming uphill towards ruined fortifications. French infantry storming uphill towards ruined fortifications. Written by Mr. John Caulfield, dedicated, by permission, to Lieutt. Genl. Sir John Burgoyne, the music composed by John Harroway, R.A., sung nightly at the Canterbury Hll, and the principal London concerts, by Herr F. Jonghmans. Sixpence. No. 777-8 of the Musical Treasury.

The fall of Richmond Va. on the night of April 2nd 1865: This stronghold and capital city of the Davis Confederacy wa...

Hand colored lithograph; view across river, showing city in flames, mounted soldiers, citizens in carriages and wagons fleeing across bridge in foreground. Hand colored lithograph; view across river, showing city in flames, mounted soldiers, citizens in carriages and wagons fleeing across bridge in foreground. Small oblong folio, matted; margins intact; yellowed and stained. Chicago, Kenneth Nebenzahl, 1968.

The fall of Major Ringgold at the Battle of Palo Alto

One of a collection of 4 mezzotint plates (from book?) of battle scenes; officer being helped by orderly, soldiers in background, battle in distance. [See also: the Charge of Captain May at the Battle of Resaca de la Palma; Fall of Lieut. Col. Henry Clay, Junr; and Storming of Palace Hill at the Battle of Monterey]. One of a collection of 4 mezzotint plates (from book?) of battle scenes; officer being helped by orderly, soldiers in background, battle in distance. [See also: the Charge of Captain May at the Battle of Resaca de la Palma; Fall of Lieut. Col. Henry Clay, Junr; and Storming of Palace Hill at the Battle of Monterey]. Oblong; margins trimmed; slight yellowing and edges wrinkled. Hanover, N.H., Book & Print Shop, 1955.

The Faith of Treaties Exemplified or John Bulls Last Effort to Oblige his False Friends

Hand-colored etched caricature published July 17, 1794. 'A huge bull, snorting fire, rushes with lowered head towards a French fort (left) from which cannon-balls descend upon him. Beneath the fort sansculottes on one knee fire at the bull while standing French soldiers, correctly dressed, also fire. On the fortress stand Frenchmen, firing and waving their hats; they shout: "Vive la republic, Blood & plunder, no Quarter to John Bull!" A huge tricolour flag has a staff surmounted by a skull. To the bull's back is strapped a bundle inscribed 'Debt Debt'. One horn has been shot off and lies on the ground. To his left hind leg is chained a heavy weight inscribed 'Subsidies'. Nevertheless, he cries: "Now my brave Allies let us all stand firm together & make a bold push, & I'll be Answerable for the Event." But behind him (right) his allies have all turned their backs and are departing in directions indicated by signposts. A fat Dutchman smoking a pipe goes 'To Amsterdam', saying, "I care not who beats, I'll join the Strongest Party". Frederick William II (father-in-law of the Duke of York) walks off 'To Berlin', saying, "I've fingerd the Cash from both Sides, & will now employ it to Secure the Partition of Poland"; "Negociate with Robertspierre privately & then - Damn Relationship!!!" Next, a Spanish don, Charles IV, goes 'To Madrid', saying, "Whats the Bourbon Family to me when they Impede my Interest. Hush!! I am now treating for a Separate peace with that Blackguard Roberspere to Secure my own Crown - I must enlarge the Powers of the Inquisition". On the extreme right Francis II and Mack in a two-wheeled gig, on which is the Habsburg eagle, are driving off 'To Vienna'. The Emperor says: "Well Mack we have made a Glorious Campaign of it; of what use are the Low Countries without they continue to fill my Coffers? As for John Bull, let him settle the business as he can he loves to be meddling." -- British Museum Hand-colored etched caricature published July 17, 1794. 'A huge bull, snorting fire, rushes with lowered head towards a French fort (left) from which cannon-balls descend upon him. Beneath the fort sansculottes on one knee fire at the bull while standing French soldiers, correctly dressed, also fire. On the fortress stand Frenchmen, firing and waving their hats; they shout: "Vive la republic, Blood & plunder, no Quarter to John Bull!" A huge tricolour flag has a staff surmounted by a skull. To the bull's back is strapped a bundle inscribed 'Debt Debt'. One horn has been shot off and lies on the ground. To his left hind leg is chained a heavy weight inscribed 'Subsidies'. Nevertheless, he cries: "Now my brave Allies let us all stand firm together & make a bold push, & I'll be Answerable for the Event." But behind him (right) his allies have all turned their backs and are departing in directions indicated by signposts. A fat Dutchman smoking a pipe goes 'To Amsterdam', saying, "I care not who beats, I'll join the Strongest Party". Frederick William II (father-in-law of the Duke of York) walks off 'To Berlin', saying, "I've fingerd the Cash from both Sides, & will now employ it to Secure the Partition of Poland"; "Negociate with Robertspierre privately & then - Damn Relationship!!!" Next, a Spanish don, Charles IV, goes 'To Madrid', saying, "Whats the Bourbon Family to me when they Impede my Interest. Hush!! I am now treating for a Separate peace with that Blackguard Roberspere to Secure my own Crown - I must enlarge the Powers of the Inquisition". On the extreme right Francis II and Mack in a two-wheeled gig, on which is the Habsburg eagle, are driving off 'To Vienna'. The Emperor says: "Well Mack we have made a Glorious Campaign of it; of what use are the Low Countries without they continue to fill my Coffers? As for John Bull, let him settle the business as he can he loves to be meddling." -- British Museum Oblong medium folio; margins trimmed; foxed. New York, Walter Schatzki, 1964.

The fair Virginian. The devoted General

Line- and stipple-engraving (from book); cameo bust portraits numbered IV and V, of a widowed wife of a Tory from Virginia, and General Burgoyne in uniform. Line- and stipple-engraving (from book); cameo bust portraits numbered IV and V, of a widowed wife of a Tory from Virginia, and General Burgoyne in uniform. Oblong, matted; plate mark, margins intact; clean. From: The town and country magazine, or, Universal repository of knowledge, instruction, and entertainment. London : Printed for A. Hamilton, Jr., January 1779. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1955.

The fable of the Russian youth and the guests from overseas

Hand-colored engraved caricature; Russian in national costume with club in hand, meeting Englishman, Turk and Frenchman (of whom 2 in uniform) disembarking from whaleboats, warship and sea in background; text below. Hand-colored engraved caricature; Russian in national costume with club in hand, meeting Englishman, Turk and Frenchman (of whom 2 in uniform) disembarking from whaleboats, warship and sea in background; text below. Oblong large folio; plate mark, margins; soiled. New York, Rockman Prints, 1958. original title in Russian, translated by cataloger

The expedition to Beaufort - before the attack

Wood-engraved plat; 3 illustrations of naval scenes, including 2 of ships and 1 of sailors signalling. Wood-engraved plat; 3 illustrations of naval scenes, including 2 of ships and 1 of sailors signalling. From Harper's Weekly, Nov. 30, 1861, page 757 Hanover, N.H., Book & Print Shop, 1955.

The exchange and ransoming from Schamyl of the family of Prince David Chavchavadze and Princess I. Orbelian with thei...

Lithograph after Pitolshchyev, printed by Oranin; boat with Russian officers crossing river, soldiers from Caucasus awaiting it on left bank, Russian officers on right bank welcoming women and children, Russian army on hill in right distance, Caucasus troops on left; text below. Lithograph after Pitolshchyev, printed by Oranin; boat with Russian officers crossing river, soldiers from Caucasus awaiting it on left bank, Russian officers on right bank welcoming women and children, Russian army on hill in right distance, Caucasus troops on left; text below. In July 1854, Shamil's forces entered Kakheti where they looted and burned the country estate of Prince David Chavchavadze before kidnapping him and his family for 8 months. The hostage crises was resolved in March 1855 when Shamil exchanged his captives for his long-lost son and 40,000 rubles; [See Susan Layton, 'Imagining a Chechen military aristocracy: the story of the Georgian princesses held hostage by Shamil', Central Asian Survey (June 2004) 23 (2), 183-203.] New York, Rockman Prints, 1958. original title in Russian, translated by cataloger

The Essex Regt.: 44th & 56th Foot

Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; infantryman walking down steps carrying rifle in right hand; note on verso : "no.78, set 11". Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; infantryman walking down steps carrying rifle in right hand; note on verso : "no.78, set 11". Upright folio on board, unbound, in red portfolio stamped gold, "Original oil paintings for British regimental prints c. 1900-1910".

The Essex Regiment

The Essex Regiment

Brown University

52nd 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); infantryman standing guard on city street, officer leaning on iron rail at right; note on verso: "44th". 52nd 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); infantryman standing guard on city street, officer leaning on iron rail at right; note on verso: "44th". Oblong and upright, 61 pieces; a few soiled; in folio red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The Essex Regiment

The Essex Regiment

Brown University

Unsigned original watercolor by McNeill; infantryman standing on sidewalk with grounded rifle, officer leaning on railing. Title on verso. Unsigned original watercolor by McNeill; infantryman standing on sidewalk with grounded rifle, officer leaning on railing. Title on verso. Upright; no margins; stained.

The Escort Galop

The Escort Galop

Brown University

Subject: Royal Horse Guards escorting dress chariot of Prince of Wales by the Wellington Monument, Hyde Park; Alfred Concanen Lith., Stannard & Son, Poland St. Subject: Royal Horse Guards escorting dress chariot of Prince of Wales by the Wellington Monument, Hyde Park; Alfred Concanen Lith., Stannard & Son, Poland St. Title continues: By Charles Godfrey. B.M. Royal Horse Guards. 'Dedicated to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales' Price Solo or Duet, 4/-, Septett, 3/-, Orchestra, 4/6.

The escape of Sergeant Champe

Color lithograph by Currier & Ives; Champe escaping by horse along country road, small figure of pursuing soldier at upper right. Color lithograph by Currier & Ives; Champe escaping by horse along country road, small figure of pursuing soldier at upper right. Small oblong folio, matted; margins; slightly soiled, corner creased.

The eruption of Vesuvius (text)

Discusses the eruption of Vesuvius during December Discusses the eruption of Vesuvius during December Published in Illustrated Times, January 11, 1862, Vol. 14, page 19.

The entrance of the Allies into Paris March 31-1814

1st of pair of engraved plates (from book?) published March 4, 1815; mounted officers preceded by trumpeters and drummers, entering archway. 1st of pair of engraved plates (from book?) published March 4, 1815; mounted officers preceded by trumpeters and drummers, entering archway. Oblong, 2 prints [cf. EuP1814mf-3b], together in white board mount; margins; foxed. New York, Rockman Prints, 1959.

The Entrance of His Majesty Louis XVIII into Paris, 3rd May, 1814: Scene - The Pont Neuf, &c.

Hand-colored engraving numbered 164, published 1st Feby. 1820; view of King's procession turning onto and passing across Pont Neuf, balloon overhead Hand-colored engraving numbered 164, published 1st Feby. 1820; view of King's procession turning onto and passing across Pont Neuf, balloon overhead Oblong medium folio, matted; plate mark, margins intact; clean. New York, Harry H. Hymes, 1944.

The English welcome to Garibaldi

Subject: Garibaldi in red shirt and cape seated next to a standing figure of Britannia holding a wreath over his head; R. J. Hamerton, Lith., Concanen, Lee & Siebe, 12, Frith St. W. Subject: Garibaldi in red shirt and cape seated next to a standing figure of Britannia holding a wreath over his head; R. J. Hamerton, Lith., Concanen, Lee & Siebe, 12, Frith St. W. Title continues: Written & composed by F.W. Bayley. Symy. & arrangement for piano by C.C. Smith. 'Published this day on the occasion of the first visit of General Garibaldi to the Crystal Palace, Saturday 16th April 1864' Pr. 2/-

The English wading thro' the Morass, and making the Attack upon the Village of Blenheim

One of a collection of 7 numbered hand-colored and uncolored copper engraved plates of battles (after Louis Laguerre), this one colored. One of a collection of 7 numbered hand-colored and uncolored copper engraved plates of battles (after Louis Laguerre), this one colored. Oblong medium folio, matted; most with plate mark and margins intact; one or two soiled or worn. London, Parker Gallery, 1951.

The English military quadrilles, by Jullien

Subject: two scenes of a military review in Windsor Great Park, surrounded by trophies, flag, etc.; J. Brandard. Subject: two scenes of a military review in Windsor Great Park, surrounded by trophies, flag, etc.; J. Brandard. Title continues: New quadrilles, waltzes &c. composed by Jullien, and performed [by] his band at the promenade concerts & during his voyage musicale.

The English lion dismember'd: or, the voice of the public for an enquiry into the loss of minorca--with Adl: B--g's p...

Hand-colored engraved political caricature; 'Satire on the ineffective conduct of the Seven Years' War. The British lion has lost a foot labelled 'Minorca' and the French cock is tearing up the Union flag; two Frenchman discuss their aim to acquire British colonies in North America as well. The Lord Mayor of London and aldermen deliver a petition for an inquiry into the loss of Minorca and are met with evasive responses from courtiers or ministers; Hanoverian mercenaries are confronted by three countrymen who complain at the absence of a local militia which they blame on landowners' fear for their game ('hares & partridges'). On the left, Admiral Byng, in fetters, addresses his court martial'. -- British Museum. Hand-colored engraved political caricature; 'Satire on the ineffective conduct of the Seven Years' War. The British lion has lost a foot labelled 'Minorca' and the French cock is tearing up the Union flag; two Frenchman discuss their aim to acquire British colonies in North America as well. The Lord Mayor of London and aldermen deliver a petition for an inquiry into the loss of Minorca and are met with evasive responses from courtiers or ministers; Hanoverian mercenaries are confronted by three countrymen who complain at the absence of a local militia which they blame on landowners' fear for their game ('hares & partridges'). On the left, Admiral Byng, in fetters, addresses his court martial'. -- British Museum. Oblong folio, matted; plate mark, margins; slightly soiled. Also: Uncolored impression in Robinson Collection, vol. 3, part 1; plate mark, margins. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.