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.
The painting shows this moment with pulque that feels bigger than just finding the traditional Mexican drink. It has this sense of pride for Mexican roots and keeping old ways alive. The way the woman holds it and everyone watching makes it seem special like a ceremony almost. I think that part stands out because it turns something ordinary into part of what the country means. Even though the story turned out wrong later on the art still matters for how it builds up identity. It is kind of hard to explain but paintings do not have to stick exactly to facts. They show what people value and hope for instead. Maybe that is why it keeps getting attention.
