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 English General eternized

Copper-engraved 'medley print' composite with oval bust portrait of Marlborough in armor and 8 vignettes of military naval battles, soldier figure, allegory, plan of fort etc. Copper-engraved 'medley print' composite with oval bust portrait of Marlborough in armor and 8 vignettes of military naval battles, soldier figure, allegory, plan of fort etc. Upright folio, matted; margins severely trimmed; slightly soiled. For information on Medley Prints, see: https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2016/04/a-medley-of-visually-deceptive-prints/ London, Parker Gallery, 1952.

The England Expects that Every Man will do his Duty. The ever to be lamented Lord Viscount Nelson Born Septr. 29th 17...

Hand-colored engraved memorial plate, numbered 414, published 12th Decr. 1805; round bust portrait of Nelson in uniform on front of pedestal topped by trophies with mourning sailor and marine on either side, banners on ground, scroll with quoted exhortation below, poem at top. Hand-colored engraved memorial plate, numbered 414, published 12th Decr. 1805; round bust portrait of Nelson in uniform on front of pedestal topped by trophies with mourning sailor and marine on either side, banners on ground, scroll with quoted exhortation below, poem at top. Small oblong folio, matted; margins trimmed; soiled. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1952.

The Engagement of Capn. Pearson in His Majesty's ship Serapis, with Paul Jones of the American Ship of War called the...

2nd in collection of 4 copper-engraved plates after Hamilton, each with ornamental border; sea-battle, 2 ships in close combat, other ships and battle-smoke in background. 2nd in collection of 4 copper-engraved plates after Hamilton, each with ornamental border; sea-battle, 2 ships in close combat, other ships and battle-smoke in background. Engraved for Barnard's New Complete & Authentic History of England. New York, Milton L. Bernstein, 1946.

The enemy sighted

The enemy sighted

Brown University

1 of 6 color prints inscribed 'Elf' (pseudonym of Lt. Col. Edmund Lomax Fraser, 3rd King's Royal Rifle Corps); humorous scene of soldiers in boat, sailor standing by mast taking cover from Dervish hiding behind rocks; General Wolseley seemingly looking the other way. After a series of watercolors in the National Army Museum, London 1 of 6 color prints inscribed 'Elf' (pseudonym of Lt. Col. Edmund Lomax Fraser, 3rd King's Royal Rifle Corps); humorous scene of soldiers in boat, sailor standing by mast taking cover from Dervish hiding behind rocks; General Wolseley seemingly looking the other way. After a series of watercolors in the National Army Museum, London Small folio. London, David Cohen Fine Art, 2015. 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 end of the Rebellion in the United States, 1865

Lithograph after Kimmel, published by him and Thomas Forster. 'The artist depicts in symbolic terms the downfall of the Confederacy. Columbia, crowned with stars, and Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap and holding an American flag, stand on a pedestal in the center. On the pedestal are carved the likenesses of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In front of the pedestal Justice, armed with sword and scales, leads a charge of Union troops toward the right. Immediately behind Justice stands President Andrew Johnson, and behind him Union generals Butler, Grant, and Sherman are visible. A black soldier stands in the foreground and a freed slave kneels before Liberty's pedestal. An eagle bearing thunderbolts flies overhead, also toward the right, where the vanquished Confederates are gathered. Jefferson Davis (holding a sack of money), Robert E. Lee (offering his sword in surrender), and John Wilkes Booth (with a pistol and knife) are prominent among them. In the distance are a leaning palmetto tree with a dead serpent hanging limp from it and (beyond) Fort Sumter flying an American flag' -- Library of Congress Lithograph after Kimmel, published by him and Thomas Forster. 'The artist depicts in symbolic terms the downfall of the Confederacy. Columbia, crowned with stars, and Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap and holding an American flag, stand on a pedestal in the center. On the pedestal are carved the likenesses of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In front of the pedestal Justice, armed with sword and scales, leads a charge of Union troops toward the right. Immediately behind Justice stands President Andrew Johnson, and behind him Union generals Butler, Grant, and Sherman are visible. A black soldier stands in the foreground and a freed slave kneels before Liberty's pedestal. An eagle bearing thunderbolts flies overhead, also toward the right, where the vanquished Confederates are gathered. Jefferson Davis (holding a sack of money), Robert E. Lee (offering his sword in surrender), and John Wilkes Booth (with a pistol and knife) are prominent among them. In the distance are a leaning palmetto tree with a dead serpent hanging limp from it and (beyond) Fort Sumter flying an American flag' -- Library of Congress Large oblong folio, matted giant folio; margins soiled. N.Y., Argosy, 1953.

The encampment of the Militia and Fencibles near Eastbourne, circa 1796

Original ink and watercolor panoramic view signed by R.V.D., in 3 joined parts : 1. The encampment of the W. Suffolk, & Derbyshire Regts. of Militia; 2. the encampment of the Cornish Fencible Cavalry, & Montgomery Regt. of Militia, also the new barracks; 3. a distant view of S. Bourne to the Point of Hastings. Original ink and watercolor panoramic view signed by R.V.D., in 3 joined parts : 1. The encampment of the W. Suffolk, & Derbyshire Regts. of Militia; 2. the encampment of the Cornish Fencible Cavalry, & Montgomery Regt. of Militia, also the new barracks; 3. a distant view of S. Bourne to the Point of Hastings. Narrow giant oblong folio, matted; margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1965. title provided by cataloger

The encampment in the museum garden MDCCLXXX

One of a pair of color aquatints by and after Sandby; military encampment showing tents, men and women promenading and visitors, canteens etc. One of a pair of color aquatints by and after Sandby; military encampment showing tents, men and women promenading and visitors, canteens etc. Oblong folio, matted; margins severely trimmed; soiled. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.

The encampment in Hyde Park MDCCLXXX

One of a pair of aquatints by and after Sandby; military encampments, showing tents, men, women and children promenading and visitors, canteens, naval veteran missing leg, couple dancing, woman preparing food, minister passing out tracts, etc. One of a pair of aquatints by and after Sandby; military encampments, showing tents, men, women and children promenading and visitors, canteens, naval veteran missing leg, couple dancing, woman preparing food, minister passing out tracts, etc. Oblong folio, matted; margins. London, Parker Gallery, 1950.

The Encampment at Brighton

One of a pair of color mezzotints by J. Murphy after Wheatley; 3 mounted light dragoons talking to women and farmer in foreground who are trying to sell produce to them, child with basket of eggs, another pulls blanket off baskets containing chickens; encampment and other soldiers at right in landscape background, One of a pair of color mezzotints by J. Murphy after Wheatley; 3 mounted light dragoons talking to women and farmer in foreground who are trying to sell produce to them, child with basket of eggs, another pulls blanket off baskets containing chickens; encampment and other soldiers at right in landscape background, Large oblong folio, matted; plate marks, margins; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1960.

The Empress of India's grand processional march

Subject: Exterior view in India with procession of elephants, richly attired, with Europeans and Indians riding, outriders on horseback, tents and pavillions in the background.; signed H. C. Maguire; Stannard & Son, Impt. Subject: Exterior view in India with procession of elephants, richly attired, with Europeans and Indians riding, outriders on horseback, tents and pavillions in the background.; signed H. C. Maguire; Stannard & Son, Impt. Title continues: By J. Pridham. Price 4/-

The Empire! "We are the Empress' sons": Titus Andronicus. A5. S2.

One of a collection of 4 color lithograph caricature plates after Allen, published Decr. 1st, 1886, of dogs in military and naval uniforms at banquet tables. From 'McQueen's Dogs at the Jubilee Banquet'. One of a collection of 4 color lithograph caricature plates after Allen, published Decr. 1st, 1886, of dogs in military and naval uniforms at banquet tables. From 'McQueen's Dogs at the Jubilee Banquet'. Large upright folio, matted; plate marks, margins intact; clean. London, Parker Gallery, 1969.

The Emperors from Austria and Russia at Belvedere Castel, Weimar. 1. Octobr. 1857

Original sepia wash drawing by F. Kanitz; Franz Josef descending stairs in welcome of Tsar, officers and ceremonial attendants nearby, vignette of palace and arriving carriages above. Original sepia wash drawing by F. Kanitz; Franz Josef descending stairs in welcome of Tsar, officers and ceremonial attendants nearby, vignette of palace and arriving carriages above. Medium upright folio, matted folio; no margins; worn, faded. N.Y., Rockman Prints, 1952.

The Emperor's galop

The Emperor's galop

Brown University

Three-quarter length portrait of "Alexander II" by H. Whatley, del. Three-quarter length portrait of "Alexander II" by H. Whatley, del. By Charles D'Albert.

The emperor: Military fantasia, on French national melodies

Bust portrait titled '(Louis Napoleon III, Emperor of France)' in uniform; Stannard & Son, 7, Poland St. Bust portrait titled '(Louis Napoleon III, Emperor of France)' in uniform; Stannard & Son, 7, Poland St. by Michael Watson. Pr. 4/-

The Emperor of the gulls in his stolen gear

Napoleon, puffed up and unaware of his ridiculously small stature, marches onto the scene from the left side of the sheet. He wears a large headdress ornamented with Spanish coins and topped with daggers and a chalice of poison. He carries a large scepter that is topped with a small guillotine. George III stands in the center of the image and peers through a magnifying glass at Napoleon. George III is shown in profile and assumes a pose that reprises Gillray's caricature wherein Napoleon is cast as Lemuel Gulliver and George III as the King of Brobdingnag. John Bull, a sturdy peasant stands to the right of George III. Bull turns to address the viewer full-face, and so includes the viewer in the punch line of the satire. To the left and slightly behind Napoleon, a large bullfrog has puffed himself so full of air that his side has split and his entrails begin to spill out. An ox comically assumes a pose similar to that of George III and calmly regards the frog with interest. These two animals enact the second title of the print, which is inscribed at the lower center of the image. The caption, "The Frog and the Ox" refers to Aesop's fable. Napoleon, puffed up and unaware of his ridiculously small stature, marches onto the scene from the left side of the sheet. He wears a large headdress ornamented with Spanish coins and topped with daggers and a chalice of poison. He carries a large scepter that is topped with a small guillotine. George III stands in the center of the image and peers through a magnifying glass at Napoleon. George III is shown in profile and assumes a pose that reprises Gillray's caricature wherein Napoleon is cast as Lemuel Gulliver and George III as the King of Brobdingnag. John Bull, a sturdy peasant stands to the right of George III. Bull turns to address the viewer full-face, and so includes the viewer in the punch line of the satire. To the left and slightly behind Napoleon, a large bullfrog has puffed himself so full of air that his side has split and his entrails begin to spill out. An ox comically assumes a pose similar to that of George III and calmly regards the frog with interest. These two animals enact the second title of the print, which is inscribed at the lower center of the image. The caption, "The Frog and the Ox" refers to Aesop's fable. Dialogue: Napoleon: "There Brother! there! I shall be as Big as you, its a real Crown, but it is cursed heavy, my Head begins to Ache already, I say can't we have a grand meeting like Henry the VIIIth and Francis the Ist?" Dialogue: George III: "What have we got here eh? a Fellow that has stolen some Dollars and made a Crown of them, eh? and then wants to pass them off for Sterling, it won't go, it won't pass Fellow." Dialogue: John Bull: "Dang it why a looks as tho a'd burst a'l ne'rr be zo big as one of our Oxen tho." Inscription: Pubd May 28th 1804 by SW Fores, 50 Piccadilly. Inscription: Folios of Caracatures lent out for the Evening. Inscription: The Roman [struck through] French People were grossly gulled twice or thrice over and as often enslaved in one Century, and under the same pretense of Reformation.

The Emperor Napoleon III. and the Generals of the Army of Italy

Wood-engraved plate; Napoleon III mounted, in uniform, with 9 mounted generals and marshals. From Harper's Weekly, June 11, 1859, page 376 Wood-engraved plate; Napoleon III mounted, in uniform, with 9 mounted generals and marshals. From Harper's Weekly, June 11, 1859, page 376 Oblong medium folio; margins trimmed. Title: THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON III. AND THE GENERALS OF THE ARMY OF ITALY. Label(s): MARSHAL CANROBERT. MARSHALL RANDON. PRINCE NAPOLEON. MARSHALL BARAGUAY D'HILLIERS. THE EMPEROR. MARSHAL MAGNAN. MARSHALL CASTELLANE. GENERAL MACMAHON. DUKE OF MALAKOFF. GENERAL NIEL.

The emigrant soldier and his family: scene in New Mexico

Color lithograph; soldier at left with wife and children resting at roadside. Color lithograph; soldier at left with wife and children resting at roadside. Oblong small folio, matted; margins; stained. N.Y., Weyhe, 1943.

The embarkation of the Princess of Wales at Cruxhaven

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

The effects of truth and falsehood: "If I may judge from the present specimen..."

11th in collection of 15 mounted original ink and watercolor caricatures signed by Woodward; seated man, at left, criticizing woman with muffler; 2nd couple standing at right. 11th in collection of 15 mounted original ink and watercolor caricatures signed by Woodward; seated man, at left, criticizing woman with muffler; 2nd couple standing at right. Folio and small folio, unbound; in 1/4 blue morocco and blue cloth slipcase st. gold; some stained; from Woodin collection. Camden, Me., Staack, 1952.

The East Surrey Regt.: 31st-70th Foot

Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; 3 uniform figures of infantryman, 2 officers inspecting troops, barracks in background; note on verso : "10th set, no. 66". Part of collection of 66 original signed oil paintings on fiber-board by Harry Payne for Gale & Polden postcards; 3 uniform figures of infantryman, 2 officers inspecting troops, barracks in background; note on verso : "10th set, no. 66". Upright folio on board, unbound, in red portfolio stamped gold, "Original oil paintings for British regimental prints c. 1900-1910".

The East Surrey Regiment

45th 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 figures of infantryman and officer outdoors, in conversation, wall in background; note on verso: "31st". 45th 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 figures of infantryman and officer outdoors, in conversation, wall in background; note on verso: "31st". Oblong and upright; a few soiled; in folio red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The East Surrey Regiment

Unsigned original watercolor by McNeill; officer talking with infantryman, both in red jackets, stone wall with vines in background. Title on verso. Unsigned original watercolor by McNeill; officer talking with infantryman, both in red jackets, stone wall with vines in background. Title on verso. Upright; no margins; stained.

The East Lancashire Regiment

44th 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 figures of infantryman and officer outdoors, in conversation; note on verso: "30th". 44th 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 figures of infantryman and officer outdoors, in conversation; note on verso: "30th". Oblong and upright, 61 pieces; a few soiled; in folio red cloth case, red leather label stamped gold. London, Francis Edwards, 1966.

The East Lancashire Regiment

Unsigned original watercolor by McNeill; officer talking with infantryman, both in red jackets, trees in background. Title on verso. Unsigned original watercolor by McNeill; officer talking with infantryman, both in red jackets, trees in background. Title on verso. Upright; no margins; stained.

The East Kent Mounted Rifle quadrille

Subject: 3 mounted yeomanry cavalry below trees; Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Subject: 3 mounted yeomanry cavalry below trees; Stannard & Dixon, Imp. Title continues: Composed & respectfully dedicated to Lt. Col Deedes, M.P. by Harriette E. Buss. Pr 3/-

The Earl of Angus's Regiment (The Cameronians) at the Defence of Dunkeld, 1689

Original watercolor signed by Simkin. Battle scene with officer in center shooting pistol; troops charging one another towards stone wall; houses in background. Original watercolor signed by Simkin. Battle scene with officer in center shooting pistol; troops charging one another towards stone wall; houses in background. Oblong folio; matted; no margins; clean. Title supplied by cataloger.

The dying volunteer

The dying volunteer

Brown University

music by J.P. Webster ; words by Minnie Moore. Caption title. First line verse: Oh! wrap the flag around me, boys, and lay me down to die. First line chorus: Then wrap the flag around me, boys, the red, the white, the blue. Cover wood-engraved illustration by Baker: expiring soldier clutching flag, artillery piece in left distance, house above.

The dying soldier of Buena Vista

The music composed and most respectfully dedicated, to his honor Charles J. McCurdy, Lieutanant Governor of the state of Connecticut, by Orramel Whittlesey of Salem Conn. Words by Col. Henry Petrikin. For voice and piano. Cover lith. ill. by Wm. Endicott & Co: soldier dying in battle, lying on a flag and being attended by comrade, battle in background.