The Day Einstein Was Buried

Fifty five years ago, the world’s most brilliant scientist, Albert Einstein, died of heart failure. Today, the death of such eminent figure would’ve sparked a media circus – but back then, his funeral was a private affair. No one knew of the existence of any photos of Einstein funeral until today:

His funeral and cremation were intensely private affairs, and only one photographer managed to capture the events of that extraordinary day: LIFE magazine’s Ralph Morse. Armed with his camera and a case of scotch — to open doors and loosen tongues — Morse compiled a quietly intense record of an icon’s passing. But aside from one now-famous image (above), the pictures Morse took that day were never published. At the request of Einstein’s son, who asked that the family’s privacy be respected while they mourned, LIFE decided not to run the full story, and for 55 years Morse’s photographs lay unseen and forgotten.

Gallery: Link – Thanks Ben!

Previously on Neatorama: 10 Strange Facts About Albert Einstein