[EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955)]. -- STEIN, Fred, photographer. “Albert Einstein Princeton 1946”.

Gelatin silver print, limitation and title in pencil on lower matte, number 112 of 450 copies. Framed and matted, sight (13 x 10”). Signed authorization label on behalf of the Fred Stein Estate by Stein’s son, Peter Stein. Printed in 1994 by the Estate, this photograph is considered one of the most iconic images of the 20th century.

“In 1946, when Albert Einstein was in residence at Princeton University, Fred Stein was granted ten minutes of the great man's time to take a portrait. After the time was up, Einstein's secretary came in to usher Stein out. However, Einstein insisted that he stay, saying that their discussion was too interesting to cut short. The secretary came back repeatedly, but the visit extended to two hours. The resulting portrait by Fred Stein pictures a deep intelligence engaged in thought. It became an iconic image, and one of the most famous photographs ever taken of Albert Einstein” (Dawn Freer, Fred Stein: A Retrospective).