Christian Gottfried Heinrich Geissler was a German draftsman, copperplate engraver, and illustrator. He was inscribed in the history of European art as an outstanding master of graphic arts, and became one of the primary visual chroniclers of the Age of Enlightenment for Russia.

In 1790, the 20-year-old Geissler arrived in St. Petersburg following the invitation of the celebrated academician and naturalist Peter Simon Pallas. This relocation marked a pivotal breakthrough in the young artist's career.
In 1793, together with Pallas, the artist embarked on a large-scale expedition through the Volga region, the Caspian Sea basin, the Caucasus, and the Crimea. With scientific precision, Geissler sketched rare animals, plants, and archaeological finds, and produced ethnographic portraits of the local peoples. His drawings formed the basis for the illustrations in Pallas's fundamental scientific works.
Upon returning to St. Petersburg in 1794, Geissler became captivated by the vibrant street life of the city. In collaboration with the historian Johann Gottlieb Georgi, he began working on his ultimate masterpiece — a series of hand-colored etchings titled "Petersburg Street Types" (published between 1794 and 1805). The artist eschewed the depiction of grand palaces in favour of ordinary people. Food vendors, water carriers, itinerant musicians, cab drivers, and craftsmen came to life in his prints. The master's works blended absolute accuracy in the details of costumes and daily life with deep sympathy and humour toward his subjects.

In 1798, Geissler left Russia and returned to Leipzig, where he was later appointed professor. However, Russian themes remained central to his oeuvre until the end of his life. The works of Christian Geissler are recognized as a national treasure; the originals of his prints and books are preserved in major cultural institutions. The "Petersburg Street Types" cycle became a unique historical document and laid the foundation for the development of the genre scene and graphic series depicting popular life in 19th-century Russian art. Artistic method of the artisan served as a model for many subsequent Russian illustrators.
While in Germany, Geissler continued to publish albums based on his Russian sketches. It was through his detailed works that the European public discovered the authentic, non-ceremonial life of the Russian Empire.

The museum Сollection section “Printed matter” features a rare chromolithographic edition: Geissler, C.G.H. "Petersburg Types of the late 18th century. From the Collection of P.Y. Dashkov." Published for the benefit of the Community of St. Eugenie, 1904. A series of six postcards (complete set).