<p>

A postcard based on a drawing or a

very retouched photo. A classic panorama of late imperial Kyiv with a

view of the University main building from Kruhlouniversytetska /

Kruty Uzviz street. A big number of similar photos, taken in the

1860s-1910s, affords an opportunity to trace back the process of

urban modernization of Kyiv, as well as that of the waves of housing

themselves. A characteristic feature of this panoramic perspective is

the domination of the majestic structure of the University main

building over the visually small and somewhat chaotic though regular

housing of the lowland. Bibikovsky boulevard with poplars is present

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

transformation of the housing from the one-storied mansion type one

to the several-storied row one. Unlike earlier pictures, the park

area in front of the University cannot be seen in this photo, the

fact indicating a stage of an active urban development. A few

pavilions of the Bessarabsky market can be seen below; the newly

built St. Volodymyr cathedral can be seen on the horizon line. Also,

the fencing around the green belt of Bibikovsky (now Tarasa

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