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source:encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com
07 Dec, 1805
13 Jun, 1871
Pneumonia
French
Clockmaker
65
Robert Houdin was a renowned watchmaker, magician, and illusionist, often referred to as the father of magic. He is celebrated for revolutionizing magic with his creative and scientific approach to conjuring.
Robert Houdin was born on December 7, 1805, in Blois, France, to Prosper Robert, a watchmaker, and Marie-Catherine Guillon, who passed away when he was a young child. Despite his father’s wish for him to pursue law, Houdin showed a keen interest in mechanics and science. Initially working as a clerk, he spent most of his time tinkering with mechanical gadgets. Later, he became an apprentice to his cousin in a watch shop, where he continued honing his mechanical skills.
In the 1820s, Robert Houdin saved up to buy a two-volume set of books on clockmaking but accidentally received a set on magic. This serendipitous discovery piqued his curiosity, and he began experimenting with tricks and illusions. He took local lessons from an amateur magician named Moeus, who taught him the basics of magic. While studying magic, Houdin also ran a watchmaking business and performed magic on the side.
In 1845, Robert Houdin opened his own magic theatre with the assistance of Count de l’Escalopier. Though he initially struggled with stage fright, he overcame it and began performing to enthusiastic audiences. His performances became known for their modern and scientific style, moving away from the traditional supernatural themes of magic.
Robert Houdin introduced numerous innovative tricks and illusions, including:
– “Second Sight”: A two-person mind-reading act.
– The Ethereal Suspension: An illusion involving levitation.
– The Marvelous Orange Tree: A mechanical tree that appeared to grow oranges.
– The Light and Heavy Chest: A trick where a seemingly ordinary chest became either very light or impossibly heavy.
His performances included producing objects and doves from thin air, captivating audiences in France and England, including Queen Victoria.
In 1856, Napoleon III sent Robert Houdin to Algeria to demonstrate French magic to local religious leaders, the Marabouts. The mission aimed to showcase the superiority of French knowledge and discredit the Marabouts’ mystical influence.
After his mission in Algeria, Houdin gave his final performance at the Grand Théâtre in Marseille before retiring to his hometown. He authored several books on magic, including “Confidences d’un Prestidigitateur”, “Confidences et révélations”, and “Les Tricheries des Grecs dévoilées”.
Robert Houdin passed away on June 13, 1871, at the age of 61, due to pneumonia and the stress of losing his son in the Franco-Prussian War. His contributions to magic continue to inspire audiences and magicians worldwide. His innovative use of science in magic earned him the title of “father of magic.”
Robert Houdin
Robert Houdin
Male
Pneumonia
Blois, France
Saint-Gervais-la-Forêt, France
Logician: Innovative inventors with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. His strong logical mind was evident through his contributions to the world of magic.
Many of Robert-Houdin's inventions were used by competitors after they were stolen by his trusted mechanic Le Grand.
In 1966, Robert-Houdin's home in Blois, France was converted into a museum and theatre.
Robert-Houdin originally intended to become a watchmaker.
He was the first magician to use electricity
Considered as “The Father of Modern Magic,”