Eça de Queiroz

Eça de Queiroz studied in Coimbra, where he became a member of the Generation of ’70, alongside some of the most prominent literary and intellectual figures in Portugal at the time. He began his career as a diplomat in 1872, while continuing his work as a journalist and, above all, as a writer.

José Maria Eça de Queirós was born on 25 November 1845 in Póvoa de Varzim.

He was initially educated by a nanny and later by his grandmother. After studying at Colégio da Lapa in Porto, he enrolled in the Law Course at the University of Coimbra in 1861, at the age of sixteen. In 1864, he met Antero de Quental. While still at university, he joined the theatre group, and in 1865 he starred in a play written by Teófilo Braga, Resignação.

During his time in Coimbra, he became part of the Geração de ’70, a circle that included some of the most influential literary and intellectual figures in Portugal.

After completing his law degree in 1866, he moved to Lisbon, where he practised law, and later to Évora, where he pursued journalism. As a diplomat, he represented Portugal in Havana (Cuba), Newcastle and Bristol (England), and France.

He died in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris, on 16 August 1900. His remains were transferred to the National Pantheon in 2025.