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- This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods LtdChristie Manson & Woods Ltd
8 King Street, St. James's, London, SW1Y 6QT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 2869
Lot Essay
'Man learns only through experience'.
On the 16th Einstein is to meet his elder son, Hans Albert, in Innsbruck, from where they will proceed by stages to Bologna, where he will be giving lectures: 'I will try to speak Italian, but with an expert interpreter to help when necessary'. Afterwards, Hans Albert must return home, but he himself will take the opportunity to visit the Wintelers. He mentions also a forthcoming trip to Holland, but he has cancelled a proposed lecture in Munich 'as it would be virtually life-endangering for me' [because of anti-Semitic agitation in the city]. Maja could not have helped him with the Italian lectures, as it requires particular scientific expertise, but 'I very much looking forward to seeing you again in Florence, where I am completely free' – if only Hans Albert could join them. He expresses great pleasure in the way his sons are growing up: 'They are developing excellently, are intelligent, naturally modest and interested in lots of things. [Hans] Albert plays the piano well, and shines when he plays with me': he will bring him to see the Wintelers when he can.
He opens the letter by reporting the happy conclusion of an administrative problem [related to their shared investment in the Schweizerische Auer-Aktien Gesellschaft (see previous lots)], but warns 'Pauli [i.e. Paul Winteler] must just attend the meetings from now on, so that his colleagues do not make complaints against him'. He is sorry to hear that they have had a difficult time in Florence (where they had just moved) – 'You should not have gone to Italy through [?Mont] Blanc. But man learns only through experience'.
The letter concludes with an acknowledgement of the great weight of responsibilities he now has, but 'I have a summer house on the Havel, in which I can take refuge'.
Post Lot Text
Temporary Admission Regime
This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime.
Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
Shipping Outside the UK
Please note that if this lot is to be shipped outside of the UK an export licence will be required. A period of 2 weeks should be allowed for the application to be processed.
On the 16th Einstein is to meet his elder son, Hans Albert, in Innsbruck, from where they will proceed by stages to Bologna, where he will be giving lectures: 'I will try to speak Italian, but with an expert interpreter to help when necessary'. Afterwards, Hans Albert must return home, but he himself will take the opportunity to visit the Wintelers. He mentions also a forthcoming trip to Holland, but he has cancelled a proposed lecture in Munich 'as it would be virtually life-endangering for me' [because of anti-Semitic agitation in the city]. Maja could not have helped him with the Italian lectures, as it requires particular scientific expertise, but 'I very much looking forward to seeing you again in Florence, where I am completely free' – if only Hans Albert could join them. He expresses great pleasure in the way his sons are growing up: 'They are developing excellently, are intelligent, naturally modest and interested in lots of things. [Hans] Albert plays the piano well, and shines when he plays with me': he will bring him to see the Wintelers when he can.
He opens the letter by reporting the happy conclusion of an administrative problem [related to their shared investment in the Schweizerische Auer-Aktien Gesellschaft (see previous lots)], but warns 'Pauli [i.e. Paul Winteler] must just attend the meetings from now on, so that his colleagues do not make complaints against him'. He is sorry to hear that they have had a difficult time in Florence (where they had just moved) – 'You should not have gone to Italy through [?Mont] Blanc. But man learns only through experience'.
The letter concludes with an acknowledgement of the great weight of responsibilities he now has, but 'I have a summer house on the Havel, in which I can take refuge'.
Post Lot Text
Temporary Admission Regime
This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime.
Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
Shipping Outside the UK
Please note that if this lot is to be shipped outside of the UK an export licence will be required. A period of 2 weeks should be allowed for the application to be processed.
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Lot 20
Sale 16447
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Berlin, 6 September 1921
'Man learns only through experience'
Estimate: GBP 1,500 - 2,000
Bid amount
Buyer's premium
Estimated total cost exclusive of duties