The materials in this collection depict women in association with swords during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a period in which martial imagery was often linked to masculinity, nationalism, and performance. Women’s participation in such imagery frequently occurred through theatrical productions, staged studio portraiture, and recreational activities such as fencing, as well as through symbolic or social associations with military life.
Figures represented include performers such as Annie Sutherland, as well as unidentified women and individuals documented in studio and social contexts. These images reflect broader cultural trends in which women engaged with and reinterpreted traditionally masculine symbols through performance, costume, and visual representation.
The collection consists of seven visual items dating from the 1890s to early 1900s, including five albumen photographs, one photo postcard, and one colored lithographic print. The materials depict women posed with swords in theatrical, studio, fencing, and social contexts.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested. Advance notice is required to view any audiovisual media or born-digital records that may exist in this collection. Audiovisual media and born-digital records in this collection may not have been reformatted yet. Researchers may request access to copies by contacting the John Hay Library with the collection name, collection number, and a description of the item(s) requested. Access to original physical audiovisual or born-digital media is restricted.
Collection of photographs depicting women with swords, Ms-2025-019 Brown University Library
Purchased by Brown University, 2025
Woman identified on bottom of photograph as “Kate West,” wearing costume tights, corseted bodice, and tasseled skirt, holding a thin sword.
Second portrait of a woman, possibly the same individual identified as “Kate West” in a related photograph, similarly dressed in theatrical costume with a sword.
Woman posed before an outdoor studio backdrop, wearing traditional dress possibly of Hungarian or Slovakian origin.
Seated woman in a lace short-sleeve Victorian dress, resting her hand on the hilt of a sword.
Studio portrait of Annie Sutherland wearing an elaborate knight’s costume, including helmet and rapier, with a corseted bodice.
Two women engaged in a fencing duel, smiling; one wears a fencing mask. Both are dressed in Victorian-era attire and hold fencing swords. Captioned: “Before the Attack. After a water-color by J. Koppay.”
Group portrait of 19 men and women in celebratory poses holding bier steins. Two women in the front row hold swords. Men’s uniforms suggest association with German naval forces. The women may be holding swords belonging to male counterparts.