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Iconic Einstein Pic Fetches $74K

Iconic image beats the record for a photo of the physicist

By Amelia Atlas, Newser User

Posted Jun 21, 2009 4:25 AM CDT

(Newser) – An iconic image of a tongue-wagging Albert Einstein went for $74K at a New Hampshire auction, reports WCVB Boston. The photo is from a 1951 birthday celebration for the physicist at Princeton University. While Einstein may look playful in the picture, he intended the irreverent image as a statement against McCarthyism, said the auctioneer. The winning bidder owns a scientific book store in New York.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (2)]

This undated photo released by RR Auction, LLC., shows an original signed print of Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out at photographers. It sold at a New Hampshire auction house for $74,324. (AP Photo/RR Auction, LLC.)

German-born American physicist Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955). (Getty Images)

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This gesture you will like, because it is aimed at all of humanity. A civilian can afford to do what no diplomat would dare. Your loyal and grateful listener, A. Einstein ’53 - translation of German inscription on photo, to news anchor Howard K. Smith

You can tell by his inscription that (Einstein) fully understood the power of the image, and that what he was doing was quite dangerous, considering that the government was forcing intellectuals to name names. - Bobby Livingston, RRAuction.com

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Iconic Einstein Pic Fetches $74K