Description:

Einstein Albert

Magnificent Albert Einstein Gelatin Silver Photo, Taken by Philippe Halsman

 

Photograph, gelatin silver, of Albert Einstein, seated while writing, 1 page, measuring 10.5" x 13.5" visible, matted and framed to overall size of 20" x 23". Limited edition, artist's proof. Signed by Halsman with a raised, etched signature at the bottom right. Condition appears to be superb, other than an insignificant and almost indiscernible flaw to the right of Einstein's head.

 

In 1947, Halsman made what was to become one of his most famous photos of a mournful Albert Einstein, who during the photography session recounted his regrets about his role in the United States pursuing the atomic bomb. The photo would later be used in 1966 on a U.S. postage stamp and in 1999, on the cover of Time, when Time dubbed Einstein as "Person of the Century." Prints of this photo are actually quite common. In April 2012 a print fetched $432,500 at Christies, while a similar print sold at Heritage Auctions several years before this for over $6,500.

 

The present print, made at the same sitting, is much scarcer and by the estimation of all who see it, is a much less morose portrait, picturing Einstein doing what he is most known for, scribbling scientific equations. On the verso of the print, visible through a window cut in the frame's backing, reads: "Copyright © Philippe Halsman All Rights Reserved 1978 This photograph is of exhibition quality having been produced according to the highest archival standards. It has been printed by a master printer under Philippe Halsman's control and approval in a strictly limited edition. Limited Edition # A. P.

 

Philippe Halsman was born to a Jewish family in 1906 in Riga, Latvia. In September 1928, Halsman went on a hiking tour in the Austrian Alps with his father, Morduch. During this tour, Morduch died from severe head injuries. The circumstances were never completely clarified and Halsman was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for patricide. The case provoked anti-Jewish propaganda and thus gained international publicity, and Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann wrote in support of Halsman. Halsman was released in 1931, under the condition that he leave Austria for good, never to return. Halsman consequently left Austria for France. He began contributing to fashion magazines such as Vogue and soon gained a reputation as one of the best portrait photographers in France, renowned for his sharp, and closely cropped images that shunned the old soft focus look. When France was invaded, Halsman fled to Marseille and he eventually managed to obtain a U.S. visa aided by family friend Albert Einstein. In 1947, Einstein became the subject of a series of photographs by Halsman, one of which is presented here.

 

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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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000