<description>&lt;p&gt;In 1817, Italian-born painter Francesco Mezzara had a spat with his patron, New York attorney Aaron Palmer. As the feud escalated, Mezzara painted an insulting picture of Palmer and put it up for auction. Mezzara was giddy when the picture fetched $40—but not for long. Soon, he stood accused of criminal libel on account of the offensive portrait.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at &lt;a href= "https://www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast"&gt;www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Show notes and full transcripts available at &lt;a href= "https://www.artofcrimepodcast.com"&gt;www.artofcrimepodcast.com&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

The Art of Crime

Gavin Whitehead

The Adventure of the Libelous Painter (Crimes of Old New York)

NOV 6, 202444 MIN
The Art of Crime

The Adventure of the Libelous Painter (Crimes of Old New York)

NOV 6, 202444 MIN

Description

In 1817, Italian-born painter Francesco Mezzara had a spat with his patron, New York attorney Aaron Palmer. As the feud escalated, Mezzara painted an insulting picture of Palmer and put it up for auction. Mezzara was giddy when the picture fetched $40—but not for long. Soon, he stood accused of criminal libel on account of the offensive portrait.

 

If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. 

 

Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.