Signature
Videos
A signature is a depiction of someone's name, nickname, or even a simple "X" or other mark that a person writes on documents as a proof of identity and intent. Signatures are often, but not always, ha
Fingerprints may be used instead of signatures where the signer is illiterate, such as this Indian legal document from 1952
John Hancock
Videos
John Hancock was an American Founding Father, merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot of the American Revolution. He was the longest-serving president of the Continental Congress, having served as
Signature
…writing, including elaborate ascenders, descenders and exotic flourishes, much as one would find in calligraphic writing. As an example, the final "k" in John Hancock's famous signature on the US Declaration of Independence loops back to underline his name. This kind of flourish is also known as a paraph, a French…
Portrait by John Singleton Copley, c. 1770–1772
Around 1772, Hancock commissioned John Singleton Copley to paint this portrait of Samuel Adams, Hancock's early political mentor.
A 1765 portrait of Hancock by John Singleton Copley
Paul Revere's 1768 engraving of British troops arriving in Boston was reprinted throughout the colonies.