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Signatures of kings, queens and emperors
Royal signatures were statements of power: elaborate flourishes, a single initial with “R” for regina or rex, a monogram, or a stylized mark instead of a name.
9 signatures
- 748–814 · RulersCharlemagneThe KAROLVS monogram, completed with a single stroke
- 1491–1547 · RulersHenry VIII“Henry R”, and the stamp that signed for him
- 1533–1603 · RulersQueen Elizabeth I“Elizabeth R”, wrapped in loops and flourishes
- 1543–1616 · RulersTokugawa IeyasuA kaō, the stylized brush mark Japanese warriors signed with
- 1638–1715 · RulersLouis XIVA king who signed “Louis”, and a secretary who could write it for him
- 1672–1725 · RulersPeter the Great“Петръ”, from the tsar who redrew the Russian alphabet
- 1729–1796 · RulersCatherine the Great“Екатерина”, the Russian name a German princess signed for 34 years
- 1769–1821 · RulersNapoleon BonaparteFrom “Buonaparte” to a scrawled “Np”: a signature that kept changing
- 1819–1901 · RulersQueen Victoria“Victoria R”, then “Victoria R I” as Empress of India