Juana Lucero, the main character of the homonymous novel published by Augusto D’Halmar in 1902, experiences a decadence process while she moves through the city. Juana is portrayed following the aesthetics of naturalism and feminine stereotypes. In consequence, Juana’s moral virtues decline because of her innate evilness and a perverted social environment. Since her mother’s death she starts a journey throughout Santiago city whose last stop is a brothel. This journey means a learning process but also a disappointment that leads to her identity shift. This article focuses on representational practices involved in Juana Lucero’s portray within the urban experience of fin de siècle Santiago. Special emphasis is given to the links between lettered and visual cultures.