Unknown 

This romantic scene was painted by Jesus Helguera, though the exact date is unknown. Helguera was a Mexican painter known for his idealized images of Mexican life and history. This painting presents a scene of rural romance. A woman reclines, eyes closed, as a man serenades her with a guitar. The image evokes traditional Mexican archetypes, such as the sombrero-wearing musician and the serene, traditionally dressed woman. Helguera’s paintings often served a nationalist project, romanticizing Mexican identity and history. These images were widely reproduced on calendars and in advertisements, shaping popular perceptions of Mexican culture. Yet, the image’s emphasis on romantic love also speaks to broader social values. By looking at the image’s circulation in popular culture, and by studying Mexican history, we can see it as both a reflection of and a contributor to national identity and social norms.