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Signature of José de San Martín

José de San Martín

San Martín's own handwritten signature, used on his orders and letters during the independence campaigns.

This is San Martín's own autograph signature, used to authenticate his orders and letters.

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Black handwritten signature on white background reading 'José de San Martín' in cursive, with a long looping underline stroke extending beneath the name and a flourish at the right end.
Signature of José de San Martín.

About this source

What it is

This is the autograph signature of José de San Martín, written in cursive with a long looping underline and flourish.

Signatures like this appeared on the orders, letters and official documents he issued during the wars of independence in South America.

Why it matters

A signature is a direct, personal trace of a historical figure, proof that a document truly passed through their hand. For a military and political leader like San Martín, his signature authenticated the orders that moved armies and shaped new nations.

Look closer

  • What can the style of handwriting tell you about a person, even without reading any words?
  • Why was a signature so important for official documents in San Martín's time, before modern forms of identification existed?
  • What other kinds of documents might you expect to find this signature on?

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

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A curved saber with a dark metal grip and cross guard, and a long curved blade, displayed in a glass case alongside its gold-colored metal scabbard with black leather covering and a ring attachment.Artifact

Primary source

Curved Saber of San Martín

early 19th century

Photograph of a handwritten letter on aged paper in a bound archival volume, with a red-bordered label reading 4172 and page number 1 at top right. The cursive text announces a victory and is signed with a flourish; a red circular stamp appears near the signature. Address line at bottom left.Letter

Primary source

Letter to Bernardo O'Higgins Announcing the Victory at Maipú

José de San Martín · 5 April 1818

Open booklet with a printed facsimile page on the left titled 'Maximas para mi hija, 1825' listing numbered maxims in Spanish, and a handwritten manuscript page on the right with the same maxims in cursive. Caption notes it is a facsimile of a document in the Museo Mitre.Document

Primary source

Máximas para mi Hija

José de San Martín · 1825

Handwritten Spanish manuscript page on lined paper, with a faded seal at upper left. The text begins 'En el Nombre de Dios todo poderoso' and continues with San Martín's will, mentioning his daughter Mercedes, a pension for his sister Elena, and his sable given to Juan Manuel de Rosas.Document

Primary source

Testamento de San Martín

José de San Martín · 1844

Oil painting of a man with dark, swept-back hair and sideburns wearing a dark military uniform with gold embroidered collar and cuffs and gold epaulettes. He holds a light-colored staff and a light blue and white flag with a laurel branch at upper right.Painting

Primary source

Portrait of José de San Martín

c. 1828

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