Albert Einstein (1879-1955). Autograph picture postcard signed (‘Albert’) to Michele Besso, [Florence], 20 October [1921].

In German, including a diagram of an experiment on the deviation of light rays, closely written, 12 lines on one page, 136 x 88mm, also bearing four lines by Besso’s sister, Bice Rusconi, and greetings from Einstein’s sister Maja and brother-in-law, Paul Winteler. The recto bearing a photograph of the Florence skyline from the Palazzo Vecchio.

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. 59

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Lot Essay

Greetings from Florence, with a miniature scientific diagram.

In the very cramped space available alongside greetings from Besso's sister, Bice, and Einstein's sister, Maja, and brother-in-law, Paul Winteler, Einstein reports on an 'interesting experiment about light emission underway in Berlin. The ray of light deviates according to wave theory' – illustrating this with a minuscule diagram. He reports on travel plans: 'Tomorrow I am travelling with Albert [i.e. his elder son Hans Albert] to Bologna where I am to give a lecture in Italian – poor things!'; he hopes to have time to see Besso on his way home through Switzerland, though time is limited.