Albert Einstein (1879-1955).

Autograph correspondence card signed ('Albert') to his sister, Maja Winteler-Einstein, Kiel, 20 May 1924.

In German. 1½ pages, 140 x 91mm. Provenance: Maja Winteler-Einstein (1881-1951) – her husband Paul Winteler (1882-1952) – Besso family; Christie's, 2-9 May 2018, lot 31.

Enjoying an 'easy-going monastic' life in Kiel, and his dread of 'fuss'.

Einstein has enjoyed seeing pictures of Maja's house in Florence – 'The little house with the trees has the true Italian charm'. But Kiel too is splendid in its own way, 'a sort of easy-going monastery with comfortable living and the happy companionship of Herr Anschütz. There has been prodigious work, sailing and – eating'. Maja has been bothered by a troublesome young German woman, Frl. Scheussler, of whom Einstein notes scathingly 'In her artistic efforts she attempts to translate through extravagance what has been spared to her in talent'. Einstein gave up his intended visit to Naples earlier in the year 'because the whole fuss would have become too awful for me – as it were out of pure dread'. He still hopes to come to see Maja under less stressful conditions.

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