EINSTEIN ELSA: (1876-1936) Cousin and the second wife of Albert Einstein, married from 1919-36. A brief A.L.S., Elsa Einstein, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. (c.1933), to a lady, most probably Juliette Adant, wife of Professor Arthur de Groodt, in French. Einstein writes, in full, 'Cette petite boite (mosaigue en bois) represente une faible preuve de ma gratitude' (Translation: 'This little box (wooden mosaic) represents a feeble proof of my gratitude'). Together with two original 3.5 x 2.5 and 4.5 x 3 photographs showing different views of the same house, possibly situated in De Haan, Belgium. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG, 3

 

Juliette De Groodt-Adant (1892-1964) Belgian writer, wife of the Flemish doctor Arthur de Groodt (1883-1952).

 

In March 1933 Albert and Elsa Einstein returned to Europe from America and learned that Hitler had seized power and that the Gestapo had raided their Berlin apartment, confiscating many possessions. Landing in Antwerp, Belgium, Albert Einstein immediately visited the German consulate and surrendered his passport, formally renouncing his German citizenship. At the invitation of Arthur de Groodt and his wife (who counted Rabindranath Tagore amongst their friends) Albert and Elsa Einstein stayed for a few days at Cantecroy Castle before Juliette De Groodt-Adant suggested that they hire two cottages in De Haan, the Villa Savoyarde for the Einsteins and the Maisonette for themselves. The Einstein's stayed in the West Flanders municipality for six months before departing for London in September 1933.