Magic (illusion)
Performing art of seemingly impossible feats using natural means.
Magic is a performing art in which audiences are entertained by tricks, effects, or illusions of seemingly impossible feats, using natural means. It encompasses subgenres such as close-up magic and parlor magic, and is distinguished from supernatural magic. It is one of the oldest performing arts in the world. Modern entertainment magic, pioneered by 19th-century magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, became a popular theatrical art form, with a Golden Age in the late 19th and early 20th centuries featuring magicians like John Nevil Maskelyne, David Devant, Howard Thurston, Harry Kellar, and Harry Houdini.
- field
- Performing art
- known_for
- Tricks, effects, and illusions of seemingly impossible feats using natural means
- father_of_modern_magic
- Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin
- golden_age_period
- Late 19th and early 20th centuries
Lore & Background
The term 'magic' derives from the Greek word mageia. In ancient times, Persian priests called magosh were known as magoi in Greek, and their ritual acts became known as mageia, eventually meaning any foreign or unorthodox ritual practice. Performances of illusion were often referred to as 'magic' and particularly as magic tricks. During the 17th century, many books described magic tricks. Until the 18th century, magic shows were common at fairs.
Reader's Guide
Magic has retained its popularity into the 21st century by adapting to television and the internet, with magicians such as David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, Paul Daniels, Criss Angel, David Blaine, Derren Brown, and Shin Lim modernizing the art form. Through social media, magicians can now reach a wider audience than ever before. Magicians closely guard their methods but share techniques through formal and informal training within the community. They use techniques including sleight of hand, misdirection, optical and auditory illusions, hidden compartments, contortionism, specially constructed props, and psychological techniques such as suggestion, hypnosis, and priming. The profession of the illusionist gained strength in the 18th century and has enjoyed several popular vogues since.
Did You Know?
- A trick with three cups and balls has been performed since 3 BC and is still performed today.
- Magicians such as Georges Méliès introduced pioneering filmmaking techniques informed by their knowledge of magic.
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