A central figure of the famous "Generation of 70," Ortigão was a master observer who used his sharp wit to dissect the cultural and political stagnation he saw gripping the nation at the time. Although that’s not all he did. From writing one of the first detective novels together with famous author Eça de Queiroz to writing a travel report of the Waters in Portugal.

He further teamed up with Eça de Queirós to publish As Farpas (The Barbs), a monthly critique that acted as a mirror held up to Portuguese society. Through these biting essays, they mercilessly mocked the arrogance of the aristocracy, the corruption of politics, and the general lack of modern intellectual rigour.

Yet, Ortigão was not merely a critic; he was a deeply devoted lover of his country’s heritage.

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In his later works, like O Culto da Arte em Portugal, he pivoted toward a passionate defence of Portuguese art, architecture, and national identity, trying to steer his compatriots toward a more refined appreciation of their own history. It goes to show that sometimes appreciation for one's country can be expressed in different ways.