The Art of Crime

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The Art of Crime is a history podcast about the unlikely collisions between true crime and the arts. We take painstaking research and craft it into compelling stories that teach you about society and culture. Each new season covers a different theme. Season 3 is titled "Queen of Crime: Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors." It chronicles the long and distinguished career of Madame Tussaud, one of the most celebrated show-women of her day, kicking off in pre-revolutionary France and wrapping up in Victorian London. At the same time, "Queen of Crime" tracks the evolution of the Chamber of Horrors, a special showroom in Tussaud's wax museum that exhibited macabre curiosities, including effigies of notorious murderers. Season 2 is titled "Assassins." It profiles artists who have committed, attempted, or at least been implicated in an assassination. Also check out Season 1, "The Unusual Suspects: Artists Accused of Being Jack the Ripper." For show notes and full transcripts, visit www.artofcrimepodcast.com. Follow us on Facebook at Art of Crime Podcast, Instagram @artofcrimepodcast, and Twitter @artofcrimepod. Help us buy books for future research and pay composer Liam Bellman-Sharpe, who writes a unique score for every episode! If you'd like to make a donation, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. You can also make a onetime contribution via PayPal. The relevant email address is artofcrimepodcast@gmail.com. The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com.

Gavin Whitehead


    • May 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 41m AVG DURATION
    • 73 EPISODES
    • 4 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Art of Crime podcast is a meticulously researched and expertly crafted show that delves into the fascinating intersection of art, true crime, and history. Hosted by Gavin Whitehead, the podcast takes popular topics and presents them in an entertaining yet informative way, without compromising on historical content. Each episode, which typically runs about an hour, is divided into two parts - half devoted to the life of the artist and half devoted to the crime they were accused of. This unique format allows for a deep exploration of both the artistic and criminal aspects of each story.

    One of the best aspects of The Art of Crime podcast is its balanced view on its subjects. Whitehead respects the intelligence of his audience and avoids sensationalizing or glorifying the crimes discussed. Instead, he approaches each case with empathy, sensitivity, and a keen eye for human psychology. This results in thought-provoking narratives that explore not only the crimes themselves but also their implications within the art world and society at large. Furthermore, Whitehead's storytelling skills are exceptional - he keeps listeners engaged with suspenseful narratives that often leave them on the edge of their seats.

    Another standout aspect of this podcast is its depth of research. The episodes are thoroughly researched and well-documented, drawing from primary sources as well as existing scholarship. Whitehead's attention to detail is evident in his storytelling, which paints vivid pictures of the historical eras being explored. Additionally, The Art of Crime website and social media accounts provide supplementary materials such as archival documents, images, and sound recordings related to each artist covered in an episode. These materials enrich the listening experience by providing visual and auditory context to further immerse oneself in the world of these artists.

    While it is challenging to identify any significant negative aspects of The Art of Crime podcast based on these reviews alone; one possible drawback could be a lack of focus on certain aspects or artists within an episode due to time constraints. With each episode covering both the life of the artist and the crime they were accused of, there may be instances where listeners may crave more in-depth exploration of certain topics or artists. However, it is important to note that this is a subjective preference and does not detract from the overall quality of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Art of Crime podcast is an exceptional true crime show that combines art history, storytelling, and historical research into a captivating and educational listening experience. With its balanced view on its subjects, meticulous research, engaging narratives, and supplementary materials, it is clear that this podcast goes above and beyond to provide content that respects its audience's intelligence. Whether you are an art enthusiast, history buff, or true crime aficionado, The Art of Crime is a must-listen podcast that offers a unique perspective on notorious crimes and the artists involved.



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    Latest episodes from The Art of Crime

    The Practice Run (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 43:13


    In 1990, two men entered the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and stole something like $500 million worth of art, in what became the most infamous art heist in U.S. history. Today, we're joined by retired museum professional Frederick J. Fisher, who thinks that the Gardner affair may have been a sequel to an earlier effort to a rob a different institution, the Hyde Collection, located in Glens Falls, New York. Fisher explores the theory in a new book titled The Practice Run, which is out May 15, 2025, so go order a copy!   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   

    The Devil Wears Rothko (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 37:47


    Today, we're joined by acclaimed author and filmmaker Barry Avrich to talk about one of the most colossal art fraud cases in New York history. It all started when a woman named Glafira Rosales walked into the storied Knoedler Gallery with a painting she claimed to have been created by Mark Rothko. The ensuing fiasco ended in catastrophe for the gallery.    The Devil Wears Rothko by Barry Averich is out June 2024, and you can pre-order a copy today.   If you'd like to support The Art of Crime, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.  

    Shooting Andy Warhol: Valerie Solanas (Re-Release)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 57:23


    This week, I'm re-releasing one of my all-time favorite episodes of The Art of Crime, "Shooting Andy Warhol: Valerie Solanas." It originally aired ac ouple years back, during seasons 2 of the podcast, Assassins. It looks at how playwright, writer, and all-around hellraiser Valerie Solanas shot and nearly killed Andy Warhol in 1968. For show notes and full transcripts, visit www.artofcrimepodcast.com.  If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.    

    Theft and the Met (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 55:14


    Today, we're joined by the fabulous Amanda Matta, host of the Art of History podcast, to talk about theft and New York's Metropolitan Museum. On the one hand, the Met has acquired a good chunk of its collection by dubious means, including the purchase of looted objects. On the other hand, the museum itself has become the target of thieves, leading to some of New York's most astounding art heists. Make sure to check out Art of History and follow Amanda on social media. If you're interested in royal history, you should definitely check out her work since she made a name for herself as TikTok's number one royal commentator. If you'd like to support The Art of Crime, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. Show notes available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com. 

    Wig Heist! (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 37:11


    One Monday morning in 1958, Nina Lawson, Mistress of Wigs at the Metropolitan Opera, came into work to discover that someone had stolen thirty thousand dollars' worth of wigs from the Met. The theft made national headlines, and the FBI joined the hunt for the culprits.   Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. 

    The Meteoric Rise of Audrey Munson (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 51:09


    Today, I'm thrilled to share an episode of a wonderful podcast, ArtMuse. This is part one of a two-part episode about Audrey Munson, sometimes referred to as "America's first supermodel." She inspired more than a dozen prominent statues throughout New York. After reaching the height of her fame, she got roped into one of the early twentieth century's most sensational homicide trials, right up there with the trial of Harry Thaw for the murder of Stanford White.   You can learn more about ArtMuse here: https://www.artmusepodcast.com/.    If you'd like to suppor The Art of Crime, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. 

    To Catch a Book Thief (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 59:44


    In 1931, a trio of thieves stole a rare book by Edgar Allan Poe worth more than half a million dollars from the New York Public Library. To bring them to justice, the library called in G. William Bergquist, an investigator who specialized in recovering stolen books.

    Mae West Goes to Jail (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 58:55


    In 1927, blond-haired bombshell and future movie star Mae West performed the lead role in a play about a prostitute titled SEX. The risqué production launched her to stardom on Broadway. There was just one problem--it also launched her straight into a jail cell.   Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.     

    A Gentleman and a Thief (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 50:33


    In the Roaring Twenties, Arthur Barry stole millions of dollars' worth of jewels from some of New York's wealthiest residents. Today, we talk about the cat burglar's audacious capers with best-selling author Dean Jobb, whose new biography of Barry is titled A Gentleman and a Thief. For more about Jobb's writing, visit his website at https://www.deanjobb.com/.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider beocming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.    

    Murder at Madison Square Garden (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 60:34


    In 1901, Broadway chorus girl Evelyn Nesbit met Stanford White, the fabulously wealthy and influential architect who designed Madison Square Garden. They formed a relationship that ended in murder six years later, right in the middle of a crowded performance at Madison Square Garden.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   For show notes and full transcripts, visit www.artofcrimepodcast.com. 

    The Child Musicians of Crosby Street (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 47:39


    In the 1860s and '70s, hundreds--maybe thousands--of Italian children migrated to New York to make money as street musicians. They worked for bosses known as padroni, living in squalor and suffering abuse at the hands of their employers. In 1873, the plight of these little street performers unleashed outrage in New York and neighboring states, which prompted the federal government to take action.   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. 

    The Yuletide Art Heists of 1990 (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 18:16


    In 1990, three separate art heists took place in the week leading up to Christmas, baffling New York authorities as well as the FBI. In this special holiday episode, we look at police efforts to recover the stolen artworks as well as the many mysteries that hover over the case to this day.   Music featured in this episode: "Deck The Halls" by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com--Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   “Nutcracker- Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” by
 Jon Sayles (Creative Commons License) All other music by Liam Bellman-Sharpe. For show notes and full transcripts, visit www.artofcrimepodcast.com.  If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.com. 

    The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 58:09


    Today, we're joined by best-selling author Margalit Fox to talk about Fredericka "Marm" Mandelbaum, who rose to the top of New York's underworld as a criminal fence and financial backer of bank burglaries in the 1860s and '70s. Earlier this year, Margalit published a brand-new biography of the crime boss, titled The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum, which you will most assuredly enjoy if you like this podcast. If you'd like to learn more about Margalit's work, including The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum, make sure to check out her website: https://margalitfox.com/books. If you'd like to support the podcast, please consider beocming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.       

    George L. Leslie and the Gilded Age of Bank Robbery (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 53:36


    In the late 1860s, gentleman bank robber George L. Leslie arrived in New York and started working for Fredericka Mandelbaum, one of the city's most notorious crime bosses. Leslie always claimed to have studied architecture in college and drew on his training to mastermind some of the most daring heists of the century, earning the nickname of “King of Bank Robbers.” His reign would prove short-lived, however, after a robbery went bad in 1878. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.    

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 44:16


    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.   

    The Curse of Catherine Ring (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 31:08


    In this special Halloween episode, we explore an urban legend that emerged from the trial of Levi Weeks. After the verdict came down, a vengeful Catherine Ring is said to have cursed Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and Justice John Lansing, causing all three to die lamentable deaths.   Show notes available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.    If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    The Manhattan Well Mystery (Crimes of Old New York)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 62:45


    On January 2, 1800, a group of New Yorkers discovered the body of a missing local in the disused Manhattan Well. The Manhattan Well Murder, as the crime came to be known, led to a sensational trial, in which two of America's Founding Fathers participated. Given the intense public interest in the homicide, publishers raced to print the first—and fullest—account of the proceedings, spawning a new genre of crime writing. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    Introducing Season 4 . . .

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 2:27


    Introducing season 4 of The Art of Crime . . .If you'd like to hear episode 1 right now, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    Introducing History Daily: The Shining Debuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 16:27


    Today, I'm sharing an episode of the chart-topping podcast, History Daily. This episode is about the premiere of one of the greatest horror films ever made, Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. What better way to kick off spooky season?Next week, we're announcing the theme of season 4 of The Art of Crime, so watch this space!If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    Ask Me Anything (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 35:25


    Thanks to everyone who submitted questions and comments!For show notes and full transcripts, please visit www.artofcrimepodcast.com.If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    Princess Caraboo with Ann Foster (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 43:17


    Today, we're joined by Ann Foster, host and creator of the Vulgar History podcast. Gavin and Ann talk about the enigmatic Princess Caraboo, an exotic princess who washed up on English shores in 1817 and generated a sensation in the press as various observers tried to work out where she had come from. Make sure to check out Vulgar History here: https://vulgarhistory.com/If you'd like to support The Art of Crime and gain access to exclusive bonus episodes, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.If you have questions or comments that you'd like to share, please send them to artofcrimepodcast@gmail.com. 

    Azadeh Akhlaghi: Bearing Witness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 20:01


    Today, I'm releasing an episode that became available exclusively to patrons of The Art of Crime at the end of last season. It's about Iranian photographer Azadeh Akhlaghi and her photo-series, By an Eye-Witness, which reconstructs politically significant deaths in twentieth-century Iranian history. If you want more content like this, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    Summer Announcements and Patrons-Only Bonus Episodes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 1:25


    A few quick announcements about summer programming.If you'd like to support the show and gain access to exclusive content, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. 

    The Art of Revolution with Will Clark (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 52:27


    Today, we're joined by Will Clark, host and creator of Grey History: The French Revolution. He and Gavin discuss their favorite works of art from the French Revolution.Show notes available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.If you'd like to support the show and gain access to exclusive bonus episodes, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.And make sure to check out Grey History: The French Revolution, hosted by the brilliant Will Clark.

    Trial by Playbill (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 30:32


    In 1823, John Thurtell murdered the gambler William Weare while the two were riding in a horse-drawn gig. Cashing in on public fascination with the case, the Surrey Theatre staged The Gamblers, a play that recreated the murder and incorporated the actual horse-drawn gig in which the crime took place. The Gamblers became one of the most explosive melodramas of the nineteenth century and came back to haunt Madame Tussaud more than two decades later. For show notes and full transcripts, visit www.artofcrimepodcast.com.If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    Murder at the Wax Museum with Caroline Crampton (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 29:13


    A surprising number of crime stories from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction take place in wax museums. Today, we're joined by Caroline Crampton, host and creator of Shedunnit, a podcast that unravels the mysteries behind classic detective stories, to talk about why the wax museum has fueled the imagination of so many crime writers.Link to "Waxworks" by Ethel Lina White: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/47480274/4608076. Spoiled Stories:"Waxworks" by Ethel Lina WhiteHound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan DoyleIt Walks by Night by John Dickson Carr"The Abominable History of the Man With Copper Fingers" by Dorothy L. Sayers"The Empty House" by Arthur Conan Doyle"Poison in the Garden Suburb" by G.D.H. and Margaret ColeFor show notes and full transcripts, visit www.artofcrimepodcast.com.If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.com. 

    Marie Antoinette, The Marriage of Figaro, and the Diamond Necklace Affair

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 25:10


    Beaumarchais's madcap comedy, The Marriage of Figaro, smashed box-office records when it opened in Paris in 1784. The following year, a team of real-life con artists drew inspiration from a crucial scene in the play as they planned—and pulled off—the swindle of the century.Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    Conclusion: Risky Business (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 33:19


    This episode, we consider Madame Tussaud's unique contribution to the true crime genre.Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    The True Crime Controversy of 1849 (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 55:04


    In 1849, George and Maria Manning murdered a guest in their London home and fled the British capital . A dramatic hunt for the killers ensued. After the law caught up with the Mannings, the glamorous Maria achieved near-celebrity status as she made her way through the justice system. A staggering thirty thousand spectators gathered to watch her and George's public execution, triggering a ferocious debate about the ethics of capital punishment. When renowned wax modeler Madame Tussaud unveiled a likeness of Maria in the Chamber of Horrors, a showroom in her wax museum that exhibited effigies of notorious criminals, Tussaud met with perhaps the fiercest criticism she had ever faced in her career.Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. 

    The Baker Street Bazaar and the Cult Leader of Kent (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 61:35


    After more than three decades of touring the provinces, Madame Tussaud made the unexpected decision to settle down in London in 1835. Within a matter of years, Tussaud was running the metropolis's number-one tourist destination, and she updated the Chamber of Horrors more frequently than ever before. In 1838, she unveiled an effigy of Sir William Courtenay, a charismatic cult leader who committed a murder that led to a government massacre of his followers.Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. 

    Burke and Hare at Madame Tussaud and Sons (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 59:28


    For more than three decades, Madame Tussaud toured England, Scotland, and Ireland, winning nationwide acclaim. Over the years, her enterprise morphed into a family business, with both her sons dedicating their lives to the wax museum. In 1829, Madame Tussaud and Sons scored one of their biggest hits of the '20s with controversial effigies of Burke and Hare, Edinburgh-based murderers who sold their victims' cadavers to anatomists for dissection. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.If you'd like to suppor the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    The Red Barn Murder (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 59:43


    From 1803 to 1808, Madame Tussaud toured Scotland and Ireland, exhibiting her handiwork in major cities. During this time, she took drastic measures to win her freedom from her exploitative business partner, Paul Philipstahl. Tussaud went years without creating new figures related to crime, but in 1828 she introduced a likeness of William Corder, perpetrator of the infamous Red Barn Murder. This brutal homicide sparked a cultural phenomenon that lasted for the rest of the nineteenth century and beyond, inspiring books, broadsides, murder ballads, peepshows, plays, and even movies.Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    Fright Night at the Lyceum (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 66:54


    After marrying and starting a family, Madame Tussaud accepted an offer to partner with another showman and exhibit her handiwork in London. To her dismay, she soon realized that she had teamed up with a snake. Despite a rough start in the British capital, Tussaud scored a major hit with a wax effigy of Colonel Edward Marcus Despard, a convicted traitor who was hanged, drawn, and quartered in February 1803.For show notes and full transcripts, visit www.artofcrimepodcast.com.If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.

    Tussaud and the Terror (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2024 72:17


    As the French Revolution ran its course, the monarchy crumbled, and the nation descended into wanton violence. During the Reign of Terror, thousands of French citizens went to the guillotine, and Tussaud made waxen replicas of important revolutionaries' severed heads, including that of Maximilien Robespierre. In 1793, she also created a wax tableau inspired by perhaps the most notorious crime of this period: the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat.   Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    Introducing Who ARTed? - The Stockholm Art Heist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 9:16


    Today, I'm sharing an episode of the delightful art history podcast, Who ARTed?, hosted by Kyle Wood. This episode is all about the Stockholm art heist of the year 2000. Find out what extraordinary paintings were stolen from the National Gallery--and how they were recovered. We're back next week with another installment in Queen of Crime: Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    The Phantom of the Bastille (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 60:41


    On July 12, 1789, a crowd of protestors furious over King Louis XVI's policies swarmed Madame Tussaud and Philippe Curitus's wax museum, demanding busts of prominent political figures. This episode led to bloodshed that same afternoon. Two days later, a mob stormed the Bastille, a medieval prison, marking the outbreak of the French Revolution. Soon after, the Den of Illustrious Thieves exhibited objects associated with the Bastille, including an effigy of the notorious Comte de Lorges, a prisoner who supposedly languished there for three decades. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    The Den of Illustrious Thieves (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 55:54


    Born in 1761, Madame Tussaud studied the art of wax modeling under Philippe Curtius, owner of the most famous wax museum in pre-revolutionary Paris. Sometime around 1780, Curtius opened a special exhibit in his establishment called The Den of Illustrious Thieves, in which he displayed wax effigies of notorious murderers. He had an early hit with a sculpture of double poisoner Antoine Francois Desrues, a struggling grocer who wanted to live the life of an aristocrat whether he could afford to or not. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    Introducing Queen of Crime: Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 3:56


    Introducing Season 3 . . . Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    The Herculean Labor of Sculpting the Perseus

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 21:12


    The Perseus of Benvenuto Cellini is justly considered a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. Believe it or not, this statue almost never existed. From start to finish, sculpting the Perseus proved a Herculean labor, as dogged oppostion from Cellini's own patron, life-threatening illness, and the sheer enormity of the artist's ambitions conspired against him. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    Before Borat: The Dreadnought Hoax

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 23:04


    In 1910, four Abyssinian royals toured the H.M.S. Dreadnought, the most technologically advanced ship in the British Royal Navy. Afterward, however, it leaked to the press that the captain and crew of the vessel had been duped: they had given a tour not to foreign dinitaries but British citizens. The Dreadnought affair caused a minor scandal, and what started as a practical joke threatened to end in legal repercussions for the hoaxers. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    Introducing History Uncovered: The Disappearance of Michael Rockefeller

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 28:00


    Today, we're joined by Austin Harvey, co-host of History Uncovered, a podcast that explores the natural world and the world past. First, we'll hear a History Uncovered episode about the mysterious disappearance of indigenous art collector Michael Rockefeller in 1961. Afterward, Austin chats with Gavin about the process of making the episode and offers additional insight on a few key points. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    The Art of Crime Interview on Crawlspace

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 45:45


    Back in the spring, I was interviewed on the true crime podcast, Crawlspace, and I wanted to share that interview with you. Hope you enjoy! We'll be back with original Art of Crime content in December, and season 3 will start in earnest in January 2024. If you'd like more Art of Crime content now, however, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. There, you can listen to a sneak peak at season 3, and we're coming out with two new episodes related to the theme of assassins in the coming days. The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    Ask Me Anything (Assassins)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2023 35:10


    Thanks to everyone who submitted questions! Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    Stephen Sondheim . . . and Even More Assassins (Assassins)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2023 42:49


    In 1990, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman created Assassins, a musical about the nine men and women who have attempted to assassinate U.S. presidents, from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald. In this special episode, we're joined by three Sondheim buffs to talk about why the musical has remained popular--and controversial--since it opened. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. If you like this episode, make sure to check out Kyle Marshall's Putting it Together, the podcast dedicated to discussing every musical by Stephen Sondheim, song by song and lyric by lyric.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    The Blue House Blues: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky at the Casa Azul (Assassins)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 24:28


    Thanks to the efforts of renowned Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, Leon Trotsky gained political asylum in Mexico. In early 1937, the Russian revolutionary moved in with the painter and his wife, Frida Kahlo, at the Blue House on the outskirts of the Mexican capital. A torrid drama ensued, in which Trotsky betrayed his benefactor, at great risk to his own safety. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    Laura Keene and the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (Assassins)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 38:14


    In 1858, actor-manager Laura Keene bought exclusive rights to Tom Taylor's comedy, Our American Cousin, which became the smash hit of the decade. On April 14, 1865, Keene was performing the play at Ford's Theatre when John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln. As the assassin fled and the playhouse descended into pandemonium, Keene endeavored to manage the crisis.   Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    History Daily Special Presentation: The Antwerp Diamond Heist

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 19:51


    The first in a series of bonus episodes related to the theme of assassins will drop on Wednesday, September 13. To tide you over until then, I'm pleased to present two episodes of the History Daily podcast. History Daily generously featured an episode of The Art of Crime a few weeks back, so I wanted to return the favor. This History Daily episode is about the Antwerp diamond heist of 2003, one of the largest heists of all time. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    History Daily Special Presentation: The Mystery of D.B. Cooper

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 18:14


    The first in a series of bonus episodes related to the theme of assassins will drop on Wednesday, September 13. To tide you over until then, I'm pleased to present two episodes of the History Daily podcast. History Daily generously featured an episode of The Art of Crime a few weeks back, so I wanted to return the favor. This episode is about the mystery of D.B. Cooper. On November 24, 1971, an unidentified criminal known by that name hijacks a Boeing 727, extorts $200,000 in ransom money, and parachutes to an uncertain fate. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    The Last Word (Assassins)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 34:57


    In this episode, we look back on the crimes we covered this season and consider what we've learned about the nature of assassination, especially when artists are in the picture. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com.   If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast.   The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    Good Friday, 1865: John Wilkes Booth, Pt. II (Assassins)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 51:43


    On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln attended a performance of Our American Cousin at Ford's Theatre in Washington. John Wilkes Booth shot him in the middle of the show and escaped from the playhouse, after which a dramatic manhunt ensued. His crime would not only cost him his life but forever tarnish the name of Booth, which had previously belonged to the nation's most celebrated theatrical dynasty. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

    A Family Affair: John Wilkes Booth, Pt. I (Assassins)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 64:07


    John Wilkes Booth hailed from America's most celebrated theatrical dynasty. At the height of his powers, his father, Junius, ranked as the greatest Shakespearean in the country, and John's older brothers, Junius and Edwin, also achieved fame. After an unpromising professional debut, John lived up to the family name, rising to stardom. With the outbreak of the American Civil War, however, he eventually left acting and plotted a conspiracy to aid the Confederacy by treasonous means. Show notes and full transcripts available at www.artofcrimepodcast.com. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/artofcrimepodcast. The Art of Crime is part of the Airwave Media network. To learn more about Airwave, visit www.airwavemedia.com. If you'd like to advertise on The Art of Crime, please email advertising@airwavemedia.com.

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