<p><br />

A postcard based on a drawing or a<br />

very retouched photo. A classic panorama of late imperial Kyiv with a<br />

view of the University main building from Kruhlouniversytetska /<br />

Kruty Uzviz street. A big number of similar photos, taken in the<br />

1860s-1910s, affords an opportunity to trace back the process of<br />

urban modernization of Kyiv, as well as that of the waves of housing<br />

themselves. A characteristic feature of this panoramic perspective is<br />

the domination of the majestic structure of the University main<br />

building over the visually small and somewhat chaotic though regular<br />

housing of the lowland. Bibikovsky boulevard with poplars is present<br />

in almost all photos of this kind.</p><p>The retouched postcard depicts the<br />

transformation of the housing from the one-storied mansion type one<br />

to the several-storied row one. Unlike earlier pictures, the park<br />

area in front of the University cannot be seen in this photo, the<br />

fact indicating a stage of an active urban development. A few<br />

pavilions of the Bessarabsky market can be seen below; the newly<br />

built St. Volodymyr cathedral can be seen on the horizon line. Also,<br />

the fencing around the green belt of Bibikovsky (now Tarasa<br />

Shevchenka) boulevard is clearly seen.</p><p>Olga Martyniuk</p>