Printmaker and painter Paul Geissler was born in Erfurt, Germany. He studied at the School of Arts and Crafts in Erfurt, followed by studies School of Arts in Weimar under Max Thedy. His early interest in painting gave way to etching, the medium for which he is most famous. During the 1920s and 1930s, Geissler traveled extensively through Europe and the United States, producing an extensive body of etchings portraying the principal landmarks of major cities including New York. He died at Garmisch.