The legendary photo of Albert Einstein‘s tongue, one of the most famous images of the 20th century, will be auctioned with an estimated value of $40,000.
The photo of Albert Einstein, taken by photographer Arthur Sasse in 1951, captures the physicist’s playful moment and features a rare dedication signed by Einstein himself: “This gesture applies only to the rest of the world.”
The Origin of Einstein’s Famous Tongue Photo
On March 14, 1951, during the celebration of his 72nd birthday at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, Albert was already exhausted by the crowd of reporters and photographers. In a spontaneous and humorous act, he stuck out his tongue, creating one of the most iconic images in history.
Arthur Sasse, a photographer for United Press International, was the only one to capture that exact moment, resulting in an image that would transcend generations.
Why Did Einstein’s Photo Become So Iconic?
Einstein, known for his brilliance and sense of humor, loved the photograph and requested nine copies to give to friends. Additionally, he asked for the image to be cropped to focus solely on his face. This edited version became a true symbol of his irreverent and brilliant personality.
A Rare and Valuable Piece for Collectors
The photo to be auctioned is a glossy vintage print measuring 12.7 cm x 17.8 cm, signed by Einstein at the top with a fountain pen. The text in German reads: “This gesture applies only to the rest of the world. Yours, A. Einstein 51.” On the back, there is a credit stamp from International News Photos in New York.
According to RR Auction, signed copies of this photograph are extremely rare. In 2017, a similar photo was sold at auction for an impressive $125,000.
The Value of the Signed Photo in the Auction Market
The auction market for historical memorabilia has proven to be highly lucrative for collectors. In September 2024, a letter written by Einstein to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, warning about the dangers of Nazi Germany’s development of atomic bombs, was auctioned for $3.9 million at Christie’s.
Now, this rare photograph of Albert Einstein could become another coveted item for science enthusiasts and collectors of historical relics.
Source: LuxuryLaunches. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
