Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities Screaming Mad
Apr 22, 2025
Madness weaves through history and art in unexpected ways. Discover Hernán Cortés's cunning tactics that led to the Aztec Empire's fall, paired with a tale of art vandalism. Then, delve into the haunting world of Edvard Munch's The Scream, as we explore the artist's mental health and a mysterious inscription that alters perceptions of his struggles and relationship with critics. Each story reveals how madness can manifest not just in minds, but also in the fabric of culture.
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Cortés' Mountain-Built Navy
- Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztecs by building new ships in a mountain province to fight on Lake Texcoco.
- Indigenous allies played a crucial role by crafting ships, carrying timber, and digging canals for the siege.
Cortés' Complex Royal Relationship
- Cortés felt underappreciated by the king despite conquering Mexico and becoming governor.
- The king likely resented him for disobedience or knew native help was key to his victory.
Munch's Self-Vandalized Masterpiece
- Edvard Munch painted The Scream inspired by a traumatic panic attack experience.
- He later inscribed the painting himself with "could only have been painted by a madman" as a self-deprecating joke.