Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805–1871) was a French magician often regarded as the father of modern conjuring. Originally trained as a watchmaker, he brought scientific precision and innovation to the art of magic. In 1845, he opened his own theatre in Paris, where he performed elegant stage magic dressed in evening wear—revolutionizing the image of the magician from a mystical wizard to a refined showman. His acts included automata, mechanical marvels, and illusions that blended technology with sleight of hand. Robert-Houdin’s influence was so profound that Harry Houdini later adopted his name in tribute.