HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 - 1926). Photograph of Houdini Performing Paligenesia. Circa 1925. Remarkable full-length sepia tone image shows Houdini holding a large and menacing blade to the throat of a man tied in a curtained cabinet. The victim has only one arm and one leg attached, and is about to be decapitated. 8 x 10", framed and matted larger, with an inked caption at the front of the scene reading "Houdini cutting up" in HOUDINI'S OWN HAND.  

This RARE image captures Houdini's recreation of the Paligenesia illusion popularized by Dr. Lynn. Jim Collins, one of Houdini's trusted assistants, stands on the left side of the scene holding two torture devices, with a basket at his feet. Beside the basket is the victim's severed leg, and another assistant holds his severed arm on the opposite side of the photograph. 

It has been said that as a boy, Houdini was inspired to become a magician after witnessing Dr. Lynn's magic show. Lynn made a feature of this grisly illusion, in which a man was dismembered and later restored in full view of the audience (his advertising suggested audiences would see "another man cut up tonight!"). Houdini featured the trick on his final tour as an homage to the magician who inspired him.  

Minor wear visible at left of image.