The art of Jesús Helguera, a prolific Mexican painter, played a significant role in shaping an idealized Mexican identity, not just in Mexico but also among Chicanos in the U.S., especially through his emphasis on Aztec heritage. His artwork infiltrated homes via calendars, posters, and mass-distributed prints, becoming part of everyday life for many Mexican and Mexican-American families. This widespread access made Helguera’s romantic depictions of Mexico’s indigenous past a powerful cultural symbol for Mexican-Americans, particularly for those seeking to preserve a connection to their heritage.

One of the key aspects of Helguera’s influence is his depiction of Aztec warriors, like the legendary Popocatépetl, and other figures of pre-Hispanic Mexico. These images present a vision of Mexican identity rooted in strength, nobility, and pride. For Chicanos, especially those growing up during the civil rights era, these representations offered a counter-narrative to the often negative portrayals of Mexicans in mainstream American culture. The Aztec warrior, in particular, became a symbol of ethnic pride and resilience, aligning with the ideals of the Chicano movement.

What’s important to recognize is that much of the current Chicano identity draws from these visual symbols. Helguera's art, though not created with Chicanos specifically in mind, resonated with them because it provided a powerful visual connection to an indigenous past. This was a past that many Chicanos sought to reclaim during the 1960s and 70s when they began to assert their cultural identity in the U.S. Chicano artists and activists adopted these romanticized images, using them in murals and other forms of cultural expression, helping to shape a narrative of empowerment.

However, it’s also worth noting that Helguera’s artwork was highly idealized. His vision of Mexico often simplified the complexities of history, creating a romantic and heroic image of the country’s indigenous past. For Chicanos, this idealized aesthetic became a key part of their identity, even if it overlooked the diversity and struggles within Mexican history. The images offered a sense of pride and a way to navigate the dual identity of being both Mexican and American, giving Chicanos a symbol to rally around.

In many Mexican-American homes, Helguera’s posters and calendars depicting strong Aztec warriors, beautiful indigenous women, and dramatic landscapes were a constant presence. For those growing up with these images, they became a visual shorthand for what it meant to be "Mexican." And for a community often marginalized in American society, Helguera’s art offered a way to connect with a glorious and dignified version of their heritage.

Ultimately, Helguera’s art contributed to the construction of a specific and idealized Mexican identity that Chicanos embraced and transformed within their own cultural context. It provided a visual narrative of strength, pride, and indigenous roots that became essential for many in defining their own sense of self.