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Lot #254
Max Planck

Planck sends gracious thanks to a prominent couple for donating a portrait of him

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Description

Planck sends gracious thanks to a prominent couple for donating a portrait of him

Nobel Prize–winning German physicist (1858–1947) who pioneered the understanding of quantum theory. ALS in German, signed “M. Planck,” one page both sides, 6 x 8.25, personal letterhead, February 25, 1942. Letter to Mr. von Bohlen. In full: “Please accept my most heartfelt thanks for your kind letter dated February 19, 1942, in which you informed me of your and your wife’s intention to donate to the Kaiser Wilhelm Society the Renzing portrait of me. Needless to say, I am very pleased and feel greatly honored by this plan of yours and will gladly make myself available for the presentation. I am especially looking forward to having the pleasure of meeting you and your esteemed wife again at this opportunity. I will only ask you to please let me know the date, as soon as your plans are finalized. At the beginning of April, I will be traveling to Rome for a lecture at the R.V. Institute of Culture and Science. And as everybody knows, cancelling anything in Italy is next to impossible. I am sure I will be back here by the beginning of May and from then on, I shall be at your disposal at any time. My wife and I are sending kindest regards to you and your esteemed wife.” Torn binder holes to left edge, lightly affecting three words of text on reverse, and office stamps at top, otherwise fine condition.

The Kaiser Wilhelm Society for the Achievement of Science was founded in 1911 to promote the sciences in Germany. Planck served as its president from 1930-1937 and again from 1945-1946. Mr. von Bohlen is most probably Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach who had added “Krupp” to his name in 1906 when he married Bertha Krupp. She had inherited her family's company in 1902 at the age of 16 when her father, German industrialist Friedrich Krupp, committed suicide. In 1909, Gustav became company chairman. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #349 - Ended September 16, 2009





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