The bulk of the postcards with views of St. Petersburg were made on the basis of photographs. The objective and authentic character of the pictures on such photograph-based postcards often turns them into useful aids for historians and restorers. The centennial perspective allows to notice many changes in the overall picture of St. Petersburg: it is a long time since the tram tracks were removed from Nevsky Prospect

barges with firewood are no longer moored to the granite-clad embankments. The pictures on the postcards preserve the images of temporary constructions, show architectural details which have disappeared, and remind us of the monuments which have been removed from the streets and squares of the city. St. Petersburg has always been a cultural and educational center of the country. Its museums preserve unique exhibits and its libraries can serve hundreds of readers. The city depicted on the postcards is alive and in the process of evolution which is always fraught with certain risks. The new surge of artists' interest towards St. Petersburg is connected with the activities of the "World of Art" group. The press of St. Eugenia's Commune reproduced on its postcards numerous works by the artists who were members of this group. M.V. Dobuzhinsky's work recreates the particular atmosphere of a bleak rainy day in St. Petersburg, the postcard reproducing an original work by A.P. Ostroumova-Lebedeva recreates the unique atmosphere of the White Nights.
The National Library of Russia is planning to create the on-line catalogue of postcards with views of St. Petersburg.

Alina Yartseva

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