Description:

Albert Einstein
various, ca. 1947
Albert Einstein PSA NM 7 "Postage Stamp" SP; Along With 10+ Pcs Incl. Unpublished Family Photos & Telegrams
Archive
An engaging and intimate archive of photographs taken of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955), including a signed presentation photograph of Einstein after Hermann Landshoff, PSA/DNA slabbed and graded NM 7. The collection also features a Philippe Halsman print of Einstein; five candid snapshots taken at Einstein's home at Princeton, New Jersey; four negatives corresponding to three of five of the above snapshots; and two telegrams including one signed in print as "Albert Einstein and Family." Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition, which is overall very good to near fine. The largest item is the slabbed Einstein signed photo, which measures 6.625" x 10.125."

The archive depicts Albert Einstein in many casual poses, both seated and standing, and in very interesting dress; one of Einstein's outfits consists of sandals, slacks, and a sweatshirt. Other figures identified in the photographs include: Einstein's step-daughter Margot Löwenthal Einstein (1899-1986); and Helene "Helen" Dukas (1896-1982), Einstein's devoted secretary, housekeeper, and executor. The Einstein signed photo and the two telegrams were originally presented to Lester K. Maynard and his wife Hannah (Hanna) Maynard née Dukas, probably Helen Dukas's niece via brother Henry B. Dukas.

The lot includes:

1. A gelatin silver print of Einstein after Hermann Landshoff, signed by Albert Einstein with an unusual full signature as "Albert Einstein 1947." The portrait was pen-inscribed "To Mr + Mrs Maynard" above Einstein's signature. Part of Einstein's signature (no more than four letters of the last name) is slightly smeared, as is the "9" of the date. Minor edge silvering and a minor wrinkle affecting the lower left corner. PSA/DNA slabbed and graded NM 7. The sight size of the print is 4.875" x 7" while the slab measures 6.625" x 10.125."

This iconic portrait of Einstein is referred to as the "postage stamp" Einstein because it was used as the basis of the 15-cent U.S. postage stamp (#1774) that was issued in March 1979 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Einstein's birth.

2. A gelatin silver print after Philippe Halsman, showing from left to right, Einstein, Margot Einstein, and Helen Dukas. N.d., n.p. Stamped with Halsman's photo New York City studio information verso. Minor edge silvering and a moderate diagonal wrinkle affecting the left edge. 4.75" x 6.5."

Margot Einstein and Helen Dukas were Einstein's constant companions in later life. Helen Dukas served as Einstein's secretary from 1928 until Einstein's death in 1955. The unmarried Dukas, sometimes called Einstein's "guard dog," devoted herself to protecting her employer's work and personal life.

3.-7. Five 3.5" x 6" black and white glossy candid snapshots of Einstein, either alone or with an unidentified female companion, standing in his front yard. N.d. but ca. 1935-1955, the period in which Einstein lived at 112 Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey. Archival photographs of Einstein's Italianate white-clapboarded house show that it was heavily overgrown with vegetation hanging from the front porch trellis during this period. The steps, paved walkway, trimmed hedgerow facing the street, and the porch balusters seen in these photos match known elements of the house and yard. Printed on Velox photograph paper, and partially stamped verso. Minor to moderate curling with isolated scrapbook mounting traces to some corners. One photograph shows surface bubbling and discoloration possibly indicating past exposure to heat. Else very good.

8.-11. Four film negatives, average size 2.75" x 4.5," corresponding to three of the five candid snapshots above. These film negatives include: horizontal film showing Einstein alone; vertical film showing Einstein alone; and two film photos showing Einstein on the left, with companion.

12.-13. Two Western Union telegrams, both dated May 31, 1946 and sent to Chicago from Princeton, New Jersey. The first one, addressed to "Mr and Mrs Lester Maynard = Care H B Dukas" is signed in print as: "Albert Einstein and Family." The second one, addressed to "Lester and Hannah Maynard = Care Henry B. Dukas" is signed in print as "Aunt Helen," referring to Helen Dukas. Both messages conveyed wedding congratulations. Expected wear including toning, flattened transmittal folds, and isolated minor edge chipping, and clerical marks, else very good. 8" x 5.625."

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This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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    Dimensions:
  • slab: 6.625" x 10.125"
  • Artist Name:
  • Albert Einstein
  • Medium:
  • Archive

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March 12, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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