The Magic Automaton on A Trapeze "Dante The Daring"

[annaFurLaxis]

Antonio Diavolo is currently exhibited at the Skirball in L.A, together with a video of a performance at the Magic Castle earlier this year. I visited this week & was utterly entranced by the little acrobat, & watched the video several times. I found your video while searching for more information about Antonio, and can confirm that he does perform a handstand, and that Dante the Daring looks and performs incredibly similarly to the original. He's beautiful. Anna x

[Zarrowman99]

My compliments to you! Nice work!!

I just recently watched a video tape which featured the original Antonio Diavolo (Taped in the early 1980's).

Performance was on a magic show special by magician Mark Wilson. Again, this was during the early 1980's.

Antonio Diavolo did many additional feats on the bar beyond your wonderful "Dante the Daring."

It is rumored that when the owner decided to look inside to view the mechanics, he broke down and cried upon what he saw.

[Alfonso6973]

Robert die Teufel must be "Robert le Diable", a feudal lord in Normandy about XII century, known by his extreme brutality for his pageants

[BIPPUIZM]

that's awesome! could you tell me what that song is and where i could get that version? it's nice.

[veegates5757]

Hi,

I am fairly sure the song is "Ballett Aus Robert der Teufel" I am not sure who Robert the Devil is but I thought it was a fitting song. Hope this helps.

[djzen07]

Es increible, he visto el original en video y me cautivó, aunque el suyo es magnifico. Felicidades. AH, no revele el secreto, pero tampoco deje que caiga en el olvido...vale la pena!! Un saludo y disculpe por no escribir en ingles

[Fuliginosus]

I'm astounded. Is the mechanical part of it just like Houdin's, or was Houdin's acrobat more of a general inspiration?

[veegates5757]

Hi,Thanks to all for the kind words. As far as the mechanism, I guess it was just inspired by the original. I have never seen the original (inside or out), so mine is just a guess as to how the original worked. It was a fun puzzle!!

[liamblackere]

just awsome!

[AaronB90210]

Incredible!

[urbansheepdog]

Beautiful workmanship!! Very impessive!

[Petr0nia]

I put Dante in a video playlist I made of various Automata inspired by Houdin. You should be very proud of what you have achieved my dear. As a child I was fascinated by automata and now, I feel ready to meet others who love them as GROWNUPS! *blows Dante and you kisses* bravo!

[abrakazebra]

You brought a smile to my face. I remember seeing the original open for Doug Henning's show years ago. Just amazing.

[pvuono]

Kevin-

You are the Leonardo DaVinci of magic!!

In my 18 years of magic and escape artistry, I've not seen a better and more elegant effect.

Robert Houdin would be so proud and his friend Harry Houdini would be amazed. Well done! Peter V.

[haxanthrobo]

you did a great job on this, It must have been very tricky ! I hope you post more of your work....

[VimisiDigitalMedia]

Bravo! You did a wonderful job at recreating this piece, and the handstand is remarkable (I'm not sure if the original did that or not, I'll have to search for info on that). Has John Gaughn seen this?

PS: Interrante (MagicAndIllusion) got your email, and will be responding soon.. He LOVED watching this. I did too! Great job!

[haxanthrobo]

excellent work!

[kezwannossis]

This is just way too cool it is amazing how he moves and response to you voice and the music. You both need to take a big bow. You truly do have a lost art. Great job keep up the good work and please put some more of Dante on the web.

[debsacc]

I applaud you! Your young acrobat demonstrates amazing qualities, thus creating a wondrous show. Dante's face has such detail and expression, great job!

In addition, I thought his movements were precise and you had provided a wonderful selection of colors for his clothing... this combination has created a magical and visual experience for your viewer.

Thank you, I truly enjoyed your video,

let me know when he goes on tour.:)

[69mechanik]

Fantastic automaton. The making of Houdins acrobat is one of the best kept secrets of automata makers. Excellent work and thanks for posting.