Franz Herda (1887-1965). Following quickly upon the record price achieved for an autograph letter by Albert Einstein, comes an important oil portrait of the great scientist, painted by the Munich artist Franz Herda (1887-1985) at Princeton in 1949. The work depicts Einstein in his study at the Institute of Advanced Studies, Princeton University where he spent the last twenty-two years of his life, from 1933 to 1955.

Franz Herda (1887-1965), portrait and landscape painter, was born in Brooklyn, New York, but studied at the Academies of Berlin, Paris and Munich, and was taught by Max Liebermann. After active service as a fighter pilot in the First World War, he became a member of the Munich Society of Artists, and the German Artists Group of Berlin. From 1930 to 1942 he was Professor at the Hannover Art Academy.

Original portraits of Albert Einstein are rare. Einstein only consented to be painted by Herda after an introduction by the artist’s Jewish friend and scientist, Dr Bucky. It is known that Einstein sat for three days while the painting was completed. Furthermore, Herda had played an active role in the anti-Nazi resistance during the late 1930s, helping Jewish citizens to escape capture – something that would have recommended him to Einstein, the pacifist and Jewish figurehead.

Auction date Wednesday 25th June, Estimate £25,000 - £30,000.