On two evenings: the end of the 19th century and the end of the millenium

This paper summarizes some aspects of the historical and cultural context of the last two ends of Centuries, that is, the end of the Nineteenth Century and the end of the Millennium, by investigating some kinds of artistic productions created in those periods, thus debating some key issues in the identification and the distinctions that permeate the boudaries of these periods. Based on studies of Eduardo Lourenco, Roger Chartier, Pesavento, Vecchi and Leenhardt, we propose an analysis of some aspects concerning the narratives of Jose Saramago, Eca de Queiros and other artists that represent the two contexts here studied.