<p></p>A general view of the Contracts Fair at Podil. Traditionally, fairs

of this kind were held in winter; this picture, however, indicates

that they could begin in autumn and be continued in spring. It was

most probably taken in March or early April. Almost the whole

space of the square is occupied by numerous stalls, to some extent

protected from bad weather. Partially, however, trade is conducted

directly from the carts seen in the foreground. One can see some

parts of the carts (wheels with beams) and, in some

distance, chairs. In the background, there is the two-floor

Contract House, constructed in the Classicist style, with a

protruding four-column portico on the shorter side.<p></p><i> Olga Martyniuk</i>