Einstein, Albert

1) the letter about violins, describing his surprise as his friend Dr. Bucky brought him another violin, expressing his delight at its pure and strong tone, recounting what Bucky had told him, namely that he had acquired it from him for only 35 dollars, requesting that he inform him at once if he has been swindled, noting that he regards the instrument, which he loves very much and accepts joyfully, as a gift from him; in the second half of the letter Einstein relates the sorry fate of his former violin, which had been disastrously repaired by a 72-year-old refugee in Belgium, a former doctor and writer, noting that he had hoped to provide this man with some means for a modest existence, but observing that that hope was now at an end; to close, Einstein observes that he happily played on his old instrument, despite its somewhat weak tone, but that cut in two it didn't make a particularly elegant impression ("...Sogleich versuchte ich das Instrument und war entzückt über dessen edlen und kräftigen Ton..."), 1 page, 4to, framed and glazed, overall size c.38.5 x 31cm, horizontal and vertical folds, Watch Hill [Rhode Island], 22 July 1934, a few small stains, and some browning to edges

2) the photograph by Tycko of New York, printed in sepia, showing Einstein's head and shoulders, inscribed by Einstein on the mount ("Herrn Schilbach in Hochachtung zugeeignet Albert Einstein. 22. VII. 1934.") and signed by the photographer on the image and on the mount ("Tycko N.Y."), framed and glazed, overall size c.38.5 x 31cm, [Watch Hill, Rhode Island,] 22 July 1934, some spotting to image

Sale in these rooms, 18 April 1977, lots 76 and 79

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Music was at the core of Einstein's creative life, with Mozart his lodestar. A keen violin player, who had started lessons at the age of five, Einstein would never travel without his beloved instrument. In the course of his life, he owned in fact several violins, giving each in turn the same nickname - "Lina", an affectionate diminutive for violin. In his Berlin years, Einstein had the opportunity of playing with such celebrated musicians as the violinist Fritz Kreisler and the pianist Artur Schnabel. Once, apparently, when he had missed an entrance while playing in a quartet with Kreisler, the great virtuoso turned to him and asked "What's the matter, Professor? Can't you count?" The new violin which prompted the present letter was made by Jacques Thibout of Paris in 1820, and was valued at $300, considerably more than the $35 paid for it.  Einstein once observed that while Beethoven created his music, Mozart's "was so pure that it seemed to have been ever-present in the universe, waiting to be discovered by the master" - a belief which paralleled his view of physics.