Photograph Signed

Princeton: np, 1956. first edition. framed. Fine. ICONIC PHOTOGRAPH OF KURT GÖDEL BY ARNOLD NEWMAN. Signed by Newman on the bottom right beneath the photo, with "Kurt Gödel 1956 Wet Print" written on the bottom left.

Newman's photo of Gödel is a classic example of Newman's "environmental portrait" style and certainly the most famous photograph we have of the reclusive Gödel.

Newman – born and raised in New York City – became known as an “environmental portrait” artist. As he explained, "I didn't just want to make a photograph with some things in the background. The surroundings had to add to the composition and the understanding (truncated) of the person." He became famous for his portraits of celebrities, artists, and politicians, always choosing something to include in the photo that helped the viewer understand the subject.

At the time of this photo Gödel was 50 years old and very successful. He had a prestigious job at the Institute for Advance Study in Princeton, was the author of many academic papers and even had one of the most groundbreaking theorems of the century named after him. He was considered a genius by his friends and colleagues, including John von Neumann and Albert Einstein. In fact, he was one of Einstein’s closest friends – with Einstein once saying that he only went to his office some days just so he could take a walk with his friend to and from their Princeton campus.

For Gödel, Newman captured him in front of a blackboard, which of course makes sense. Usually, however, when we see a scholar in front of a blackboard, the blackboard will show the scholar working, perhaps in front of an equation or theory that represents some great success. But in this photo, the blackboard is almost emanating from Gödel’s head like a thought bubble, and this thought bubble is blank. It's a powerful image of a man who was not at ease.

For much more information on the photograph, please watch our video, accessible via the link below the images.

Taken 1956; printed later. Handsomely framed. Size: Image alone = approx. 7 1/4 x 9 in.; sight = approx. 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 in. Framed to an overall size of 15 x 16 1/2 in. Fine condition. (Inventory #: 2932)