Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (December 6, 1805 - 1871) was a French magician.

Biography

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Robert-Houdin was born in Blois, where he also died. He is widely considered the pioneer in the modern performance art of illusionism. The stage name of Harry Houdini was taken in tribute to him, though Houdini later denounced him.

Houdin was a watchmaker, and made mechanical toys and machines. From an early age he had been interested in juggling and sleight of hand, and in 1845 he began to exhibit his skill, soon becoming famous for his tricks.

In 1851 he publically demonstrated the first perfected incandescent lightbulbs on his estate in Blois, France. His lightbulbs are on permanent display in the museum of the Chateau of Blois.

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