Updated March 14, 2024 at 12:45 p.m.
Arthur Sasse's iconic portrait of Einstein sticking his tongue out was taken on this day in 1951, at Einstein's 72nd birthday party.
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Who was Arthur Sasse?
Arthur Sasse was a photographer for the UPI news agency, known for his work covering celebrities and political figures. The photo of Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue is Sasse's most famous work.
How did Einstein end up sticking his tongue out in the photograph?
According to legend, Einstein was leaving his 72nd birthday party when a group of photographers asked him to pose for a photo. After smiling for the first few shots, Einstein stuck out his tongue in response to the photographers' requests.
Why did Einstein’s photograph of him sticking out his tongue become so famous?
The photograph became famous because it captured a side of Einstein that was rarely seen in public. Einstein was known for his serious and intellectual demeanor, so the playful and irreverent nature of the photograph was unexpected and endearing.
What other famous photographs did Arthur Sasse take?
In addition to his photograph of Einstein, Arthur Sasse also took photographs of other famous figures, including Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Marilyn Monroe.