Description:

Albert Einstein
Princeton, N.J., May 2, 1936
Einstein Effort to Save Woman Who Would Die in Suicide Pact At Concentration Camp
TLS
Typed letter signed "A. Einstein", one page, 8.25" x 11", Princeton, New Jersey, May 2, 1936. On his blind-embossed Princeton letterhead to German Jewish artist Herbert Feist in New York City. Flattened folds, light edge wear and wrinkles, a small tear at right margin, overall very good.

In part: "…I gratefully confirm receipt of your letter and that of Mrs. [Adele] Macholl-Friedlander. I have already made an effort in this matter, but I cannot hide from you that it is very difficult to achieve the goal. I conclude this from other failed efforts. Unfortunately, I cannot invite you to come to visit me because my seriously ill wife is forbidden to receive visitors…".

Einstein arrived in the United States on October 17, 1933, along with thousands of other Jews facing persecution. He almost immediately founded, with 51 other prominent Americans, the International Relief Association (IRA) to help anti-Nazi leaders, Jews and others in danger reach safety. This organization now operates as the International Rescue Committee works in over 40 countries. Herbert Feist was German artist who recently escaped to the United States in 1934 -- perhaps with the help of the IRA -- and was now attempting to help Adele Macholl-Friedlander escape, too.

Tragically, Einstein and Feist's attempts would fail: Adele Macholl-Friedlander (1882-1942) committed suicide on August 18, 1942 at an undisclosed location but undoubtedly the Sachsenhausen concentration camp where her husband, Anton Macholl (1885-1942), is confirmed to have committed suicide the same day (Das Bundesarchiv).

Herbert E. Feist (1903-1981) was a German sketch artist born in Mannheim and who drew numerous notable Jews of his age, including Martin Buber, Ernst Toch, and Richard Strauss as well as produced paintings in the abstract expressionist style. The grandson of Max Herschel (1840-1921), a prominent printer, translator and leader of the Jewish community in Bonn, Germany, Feist emigrated (escaped?) to the U.S. and worked as a patent attorney before opening his eponymous art gallery in New York City in the 1960s.

Einstein's second wife, Elsa, mentioned in this letter, would pass away in December, 1936 from a protracted illness.

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:
  • 8.25" x 11"
  • Artist Name:
  • Albert Einstein
  • Medium:
  • TLS

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