James Abbot McNeil Whistler, Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket, 1875

Whistler was attacked by the critic John Ruskin for creating and exhibiting this work. Ruskin felt that the craftsmanship was shoddy and that even the choice of a musical title was an attempt to dupe the public. Whistler responded by suing Ruskin. Whistle won the case, but only received one farthing in damages and spent his entire fortune on legal fees.