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Signature of Catherine II of Russia

Catherine II of Russia

Catherine the Great's own cursive signature, used to authenticate her decrees and letters.

This is Catherine II's own signature, used to authenticate her decrees and letters as empress.

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Black ink line drawing of a flourishing cursive signature on white background, with a large looping capital letter E followed by script letters trailing to the right, ending in a long underline stroke.
Signature of Catherine the Great of Russia.

About this source

What it is

This is a reproduction of Catherine II's handwritten signature, a flourishing cursive 'Ekaterina' that she used on official documents.

Why it matters

A ruler's signature was a mark of personal authority, appearing on decrees, letters and laws that shaped the Russian Empire. Studying how she signed her name offers a small, direct trace of her own hand and habits.

Look closer

  • What does the style of the signature (its size, flourishes, underline) suggest about how Catherine wanted to present herself?
  • Why would a signature matter on official documents in the 18th century?
  • What can a signature tell us, and what can it not tell us, about a historical figure?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Catherine the Great on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Title page of a 1769 French edition printed in Yverdon, headed 'Instructions adressées par sa Majesté l'Impératrice de toutes les Russies' to the commission for a new law code, 'Nouveau code de loix, Traduit de l'Allemand.' A crown ornament, a quotation beginning 'Seigneur Dieu!' in italics, and the imprint 'Aux dépens de la Société Typographique' with the date MDCCLXIX appear below.Document

Primary source

Nakaz

Catherine II of Russia · 1766

Title page of an 1885 printed book in Russian. Large heading reads 'ГРАМОТА', followed by 'на права, вольности и преимущества благородного российского дворянства'. Below is 'С.-Петербургъ, Губернская типография (Никольская ул., № 5-8)' and the year '1885'. A round library stamp and a rectangular stamp appear in the middle, with a handwritten mark at top left.Document

Secondary source

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Catherine II of Russia · 1785 (this edition 1885)

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Primary source

Invitation Manifesto of 1763

Catherine II of Russia · 22 July 1763

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Primary source

Catherine II's Memoirs

Catherine II of Russia · 1790s

Bronze equestrian statue of a rider on a rearing horse, mounted on a large granite rock with Russian inscription. Behind it is a long yellow neoclassical building with white columns under a blue sky.Sculpture

Primary source

Bronze Horseman

Étienne Maurice Falconet · 1768-1782

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