Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin is often called the father of modern magic. He introduced the practice of performing in evening wear. He trained as a watchmaker and developed an interest in conjuring. He built many famous automata and created many famous mechanical illusions, like the orange tree.
This program, from Robert-Houdin's 03-July-1845, the first show at his Théâtre Robert-Houdin in Paris, was reproduced in The Old and the New Magic by Henry Ridgely Evans, 1906. According to Robert-Houdin's memoir, this show was a flop. Georges Méliès later managed the Théâtre Robert-Houdin. Harry Houdini derived his stage name from Robert-Houdin.
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