Tom Lovell (American, 1909-1997) How Houdini Did It, True: The Man's Magazine interior, December 1954 Oil on board 22-3/8 x 23-3/8 inches (56.8 x 59.4 cm) (sight) Signed lower left: Tom Lovell "I consider myself a storyteller with a brush. I try to place myself back in imagined situations that would make interesting and appealing pictures. I am intent on producing paintings that relate to the human experience." -Tom Lovell Nowhere is Tom Lovell's talent for storytelling with a brush more apparent than in How Houdini Did It. The work depicts world-renowned magician Harry Houdini (1874–1926) preparing for one of his infamous turn-of-the-century bridge dives. These jumps, which often drew large crowds and press attention, were among Houdini's most famous feats. Tom Lovell's meticulous attention to detail captures the historical atmosphere with an almost photo-realistic portrayal of the setting, the onlookers' attire, and Houdini's custom swimming costume, designed for emergency escapes. Lovell's research-driven approach relied on photos and publications to ensure historical accuracy, immersing the 1954 True: Men's Magazine readers in the drama of the Master of Escape. The present work is also reproduced on the back cover of Tom Lovell: Illustrator by Daniel Zimmer (Illustrated Press, 2019). HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved