Albert Einstein (1879-1955). Autograph correspondence card signed (‘Albert’) to Michele Besso, [postmarked Montana-Vermala, 6 August 1926].

In German, one page, 148 x 105mm. Addressed to Besso at the station buffet in Lausanne with instructions to hold until collected (‘Bitte liegen lassen, bis abgeholt wird’).

Please note this is the property of a private consignor.

Published in Pierre Speziali (ed.) Albert Einstein. Michele Besso. Correspondance 1903-1955. Paris: Hermann, 1972. No. 86

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Lot Essay

Plans for a day together in the mountains – and the sad news of the death of a relative.

A card from Besso has completely changed Einstein's plans (he is on holiday in the mountains with his younger son, Eduard), as they have discovered he will already be in Lausanne early on Monday. He should take the 8.11am train to Brig , which Einstein and Eduard will board at Sierre, and they can then spend time together in Brig until the Tuesday. Besso has sent news of the suicide of his young nephew (Benvenuto Bandi-Winteler), of which Einstein learns 'with great consternation ... It is really hard, what fate has landed you with'.