The painting "El descubrimiento del pulque" (The Discovery of Pulque) by Mexican artist José María Obregón, painted in the year 1869, due to the restauration of the Mexican Republic in 1867, the National School of Bellas Artes in Mexico City started promoting the interest towards pre-hispanic Mexican history as part of a liberal cultural project, which aimed to reinforce the national identity through art. In consequence, José María Obregón took inspiration of an important episode of Mexican history during the Tolteca Era. The painting depicts Xóchitil, an indigenous girl followed by her family, who can be seen offering the King Tula a small vase filled with a drink, which according the tradition she discovered. The King Tula, short after impressed by her beauty decided to marry her. In addition, in the background a multitude of people can be seen, witnessing the act and discussing it, a historical moment of the birth of one of the most important drinks in the culinary history of Mexico.
Years after historians started questioning the truth of this legend, after researching it, an error had been found in the interpretation of the historical texts, as the drink which was originally been presented to the King Tula was in fact not Pulque, but a candy flavoured drink. However, the historical importance of the painting was preserved, as an example of the building of a national identity during the 19th century.
Visually, the artwork applies European academic traditions—reminiscent of classical or neoclassical historical paintings—to an indigenous narrative. Xóchitl is highly idealized, presented almost like a classical muse or heroine, offering a foundational gift to King Tula. This stylistic choice by Obregón was likely intentional; it elevates indigenous Mexican history to the same revered, monumental status as European antiquity, demanding respect for the nation's roots. The primary message I derive from this artwork is about the profound power of myth in shaping cultural identity. As the description notes, later historians revealed the drink was actually not pulque, but this historical "inaccuracy" does not diminish the painting's cultural value. Instead, it highlights how nations construct and rely on shared, unifying narratives. The painting celebrates indigenous heritage not as a strict documentary of facts, but as a noble, foundational myth meant to instill pride, resilience, and a distinct cultural identity in a newly restored republic. Ultimately, it serves as a visual anthem for Mexican heritage and the romanticization of its origins.
