In its pages Agostini attacked the figure of emperor Pedro II in a persistent and acidic way, being considered one of those responsible for the deterioration of the monarch's public image.

At the time of the Golden Law, the magazine dedicated an issue whose cover became famous with the figuration of the party for the end of slavery.

According to Portuguese researcher José Augusto França, Agostini's provocations in the Revista Illustrada led Bordalo to react in a violent and explosive way.

The episode of provocation took place between November and December 1878, when Agostini provoked his rival, driven by the fall of buyers among the large Portuguese community in Rio de Janeiro.

[3] With the advent of the republic in Brazil and the end of slavery, the country did not undergo major changes; The original critical content lost its meaning and Agostini no longer was the spokesperson for popular desires, grappling with the new regime.