1638–1715 · Rulers

Louis XIV signature

King of France from 1643 to 1715 (1638–1715)

Inspired by Louis XIV’s signature

A rendering in a modern handwriting font, made for this page. It is not the real signature; see where to view the original below. Where to see the original ↓Style: Ms Madi, slant 6°

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Ms Madi · 6°

Who Louis XIV was

Louis XIV (1638–1715), the Sun King, became king of France at the age of four and reigned for 72 years, the longest reign of any major European monarch. He governed personally from 1661, built the palace of Versailles and fought a long series of wars that made France the leading power in Europe, at great cost.

The story of the signature

Like other French kings, Louis signed with his first name alone: “Louis”. On royal acts his signature was usually accompanied by the countersignature of a secretary of state.

Not every “Louis” is in the king’s hand. French kings employed a secretary “of the hand” (secrétaire de la main) whose task was to imitate the royal handwriting and signature. Under Louis XIV the best known was Toussaint Rose, who, according to the memoirist Saint-Simon, wrote letters in the king’s name in a hand so close to his that the difference could not be seen.

That is why archives and auction catalogs often state whether a “Louis” is autograph or secretarial. A secretarial signature on a royal document is normal practice, not a forgery.

What makes it distinctive

First name only

Five letters, “Louis”, with no number or title.

A delegated signature

A trusted secretary could produce the signature in the king’s name.

Countersignature

On official acts, a minister’s signature confirmed the king’s.

How to give your signature a similar feel

Ms Madi on the Type tab of the signature generator has rounded, open forms that suit a short signature; set Slant around 6°.
A short signature needs presence. Make the capital large and let a flourish extend from the last letter.
A signature that is easy to imitate is easy to forge. Include one personal detail, such as a distinctive join between two letters, and repeat it every time.
Use the Draw tab to sign naturally rather than copying a font letter by letter.

Where to see the original

These links lead to archives, libraries, museums and Wikimedia Commons.

Questions about Louis XIV’s signature

How did Louis XIV sign?

With his first name, “Louis”, as French kings did.

What was a secrétaire de la main?

A royal secretary whose role was to write letters and signatures in the king’s own handwriting. Toussaint Rose held the post for decades under Louis XIV.

How can you tell whether a Louis XIV signature is autograph?

Only an expert examining the original can say. Many signatures on royal documents are by secretaries, which was normal and does not make the document a forgery.