Little-known facts about the iconic "tongue-sticking out" photo of genius Albert Einstein.
(Baonghean.vn) - Seventy years have passed since the moment the brilliant physicist stuck out his tongue in front of a crowd of "annoying" journalists. The photograph taken at that time made him an icon. But what is the story behind it?
 |
| The photo of Einstein sticking out his tongue is famous worldwide. Photo: pa |
On March 14, 1951, Albert Einstein turned 72. Born in Ulm, Germany, the renowned physicist spent many years living in the United States. At that time, he was working at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. A birthday celebration was held at the institute to honor him.
As he left the party, paparazzi were lurking outside the building, hoping to overhear the world-renowned professor's witty remarks about global politics – as well as capture the perfect birthday photo.
Naturally averse to media frenzy and increasingly weary of public speaking, Einstein was visibly annoyed by the presence of reporters. Yet, he found himself stuck in the back seat of a limousine, between former Institute Director Frank Aydelotte and his wife, unable to escape the flashing cameras. “Enough…!” was Einstein’s constant nagging at the overzealous reporters. “Hey, Professor, smile for a birthday photo!” one man shouted.
In a gesture of annoyance, the uniquely free-spirited character stuck out her tongue at her pursuers – a moment quickly captured by photographer Arthur Sasse. This image rapidly spread worldwide, becoming an iconic photograph.
 |
| The image is frequently used, for example, printed on Easter eggs. Photo: dpa |
The absent-minded professor with disheveled hair, who often forgot to wear socks, but possessed a theory of relativity that even today only the world's most brilliant minds can comprehend, was elevated to legendary status throughout his life. The photograph capturing that moment also helped him become an idol in the hearts of the public.
However, few people know that the photographer who took the picture wasn't the one who made it famous worldwide; it was Einstein himself who did it. He had multiple copies printed and cropped them so that the Aydelotte couple were no longer in the frame. He sent dozens of such photos to colleagues, friends, and acquaintances. "The tongue sticking out reflects my political views," he wrote when sending it to his friend Johanna Fantova.
In 2009, a photograph bearing his original signature was auctioned for $74,324, making it the most expensive photograph ever taken by the genius.
 |
| The photo was even recreated in a cornfield in Germany. Photo: dpa |
Since being taken on Einstein's birthday in 1951, the photo of him sticking out his tongue has been reprinted millions of times: on posters and t-shirts, postcards, mugs, and pictures. And even today, decades after his death, the revolutionary thinker and brilliant professor still has countless admirers, young and old.
