Harry Houdini, Portrait

Ehrich Weiss (Hungarian-American 1874-1926) is more well-known by his show name of “Harry Houdini”. Although remembered as a magician, he was thought of as more of a daredevil or stuntman during his time. Birthing the concept of the escape artist, Houdini would often go to police stations and request to be strip-searched and then imprisoned in a local cell. Upon his inevitable escape, he would receive wide press coverage in the papers and once claimed he received more advertising space than anyone through these feats.

At the peak of his career Houdini was so famous he needed no introduction. This image – often referred to as the “Houdini for President” poster – makes no mention of his escape artistry or illusion skills but assumes name recognition for any viewer.