Albert Einstein portrait

Portraits are always a bit of a challenge for me. I try to capture a likeness to the individual, as well as a bit of who he/she is (or was) as a person. In the case of the Albert Einstein portrait, I intentionally chose dark colours and a sombre expression.

It was Einstein's equation (E = mc2) which made the atomic bomb theoretically possible. This famous equation is referenced in the textual overlay on his face and part of his hair.  Although Einstein was not directly involved with the development of the bomb, this caused him concern, and he is known to have stated:

"My participation consisted of "a single act" - signing the 1939 letter to President Roosevelt. I did not see any other way out, although I always was a convinced pacifist...I was well aware of the dreadful danger for all mankind, if these experiments would succeed. But the probability that the Germans might work on that very problem with good chance of success prompted me to take that step. "   (source: On my participation in the Atom Bomb Project by A. Einstein

The final portrait is in ink, watercolour and digital layers.  It includes Einstein's  famous "crazy" hair, as well as some of his scribbles.

Albert Einstein portrait ~~ © Patricia Pinsk

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