Place de la Taconnerie 8, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Phone: +1 212 636 2002
Fax: +41 22 319 1767
Brought to you by
Lot Essay
'A glorious idea ... about the absorption and emission of radiation'.
Einstein rejoices in a new discovery: 'A glorious idea about the absorption and emission of radiation dawned on me: it will interest you. An astonishingly simple derivation of Planck's formula – I should rather say the derivation. All completely quantic. I am writing the paper right now' (published as 'On the quantum theory of radiation', 1916). Besso's silence on the subject of Einstein's estranged wife, Mileva, makes him hopeful that her condition is improving. He passes on news of a friend whose family have been displaced by the conflict on the Austrian-Italian front, mentions a planned trip to Holland, asks Besso about his lecturing in Zurich, and urges him (optimistically) to visit Berlin 'when peace comes'.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Postal clerk’s annotations to address panel in purple crayon.
Print Report
Cost calculator
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid
Buyer's premium
Loss, damage and liability
Shipping
Estimated Excise Duty
Artist Resale Royalty
Estimated total cost exclusive of customs duties/charges and tariffs