Albert Einstein's iconic photograph expected to fetch $100,000 at auction in US, was clicked on his 72nd birthday

German physicist Albert Einstein’s iconic photograph that shows him playfully sticking his tongue out is up for grabs at an auction in the US. The rare picture, which is a signed copy, is expected to fetch USD 100,000.

The famous photograph was taken on the occasion of the 72nd birthday of the Nobel Prize winner on March 14, 1951 by Arthur Sasse. The employers of the Sasse were at first hesitant about publishing the iconoclastic image of Einstein.

Einstein was amused by the picture after it was published and he ordered several prints to give out to close friends, according to Nate D Sanders Auctions. Unlike most prints, this picture is not cropped to show only Einstein.

In the picture, Einstein is seen seated between Frank Aydelotte, head of the Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton, US, and Aydelotte’s wife, after celebrating his birthday at the Princeton Club.

The photo is signed along the left margin “A. Einstein .51”, indicating he signed the image shortly after it was taken. It measures 7’ x 10’ and is in good condition. The auction bidding will end on July 27.