FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Albert Einstein’s Iconic Signed Photograph Sets New World Record with $338K Sale
Boston, MA – A legendary photograph of Albert Einstein, depicting the genius with his tongue out, has been sold for a record $338,630, according to Boston-based RR Auction. The picture, signed by Einstein, bears the playful inscription in German: “This gesture applies only to the rest of the world. Yours, A. Einstein 51.”
This rare, original print from March 14, 1951, captured by United Press International photographer Arthur Sasse, showcases Einstein on his 72nd birthday. After a taxing day filled with celebrations and press attention at the Princeton Club, Einstein cheekily stuck out his tongue to the cameras as he entered a friend’s car. This spontaneous moment became one of the most enduring images of the 20th century.
“Einstein recognized the hilarity of this photo and the fact that he was sticking his tongue out at the world,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction. “He only sent these photos to his closest friends, making them extremely rare, and we know that this photo once belonged to Einstein himself.”
The image was initially part of a larger scene, including Dr. Frank Aydelotte and his wife, but was cropped at Einstein’s request to focus solely on his expression. The photograph was previously owned by Otto Nathan, a close friend of Einstein and the executor of his estate, and later found its way into the hands of Margaret Sanders, daughter of KFC founder Col. Harland Sanders, adding to its storied provenance. The photograph remains in very good to fine condition and is encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder.
Signed examples of Arthur Sasse’s famous photograph of Einstein are exceedingly scarce; we offered just one example—over a decade ago—and it achieved $125,000 at auction.
Additional Auction Highlights with Total Sales Reaching $1,199,186:
Steve Jobs-Signed Apple Computer Business Card: Circa 1983, perfectly graded as GEM MT 10, fetched $103,750.
George Washington Historic Signed Letter as President: Acknowledging the Senate’s message on his reelection, sold for $91,506.
King Henry VIII Signed Letter on Thomas Cranmer: The ‘Father of the English Church’ sold for $63,750.
Isaac Newton Document Signed as Warden of the Royal Mint: Making a case against a notorious coin counterfeiter, sold for $48,125.
The Remarkable Rarities auction, which featured these exceptional items among many others, took place from January 24 to February 20. For more details on upcoming auctions and available items, please visit www.rrauction.com.
