A RARE ROBERT OPPENHEIMER SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH

J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER (1904-1967). Oppenheimer was the brilliant physicist who directed the Los Alamos Laboratory where the Manhattan Project developed the first atomic weapons. After the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, he advocated international control of nuclear arms and during McCarthyism, his loyalty was questioned. He was found to have associated with Communists and, though he was cleared of disloyalty, his security clearance was revoked.

PS. 8” x 10”. November 4, 1956. No place [likely Princeton]. A black and white candid photograph signed “To Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Browne with warm greetings Robert Oppenheimer 11/4/56” in purple ink. It shows the scientist dressed in a three piece suit, standing before a window and by his desk. It is signed in the lower right corner and the contrast is very fine. One the back is typed a statement “DR. J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER Princeton, New Jersey Director of the Institute for Advanced Study 1956”. The photograph is in very fine condition. The American Book Prices Current shows no Oppenheimer signed photographs selling at auction, attesting to their rarity.