Josef Ferdinand Klemm (1868-1916) was an Austrian artist and mapmaker from Vienna. Klemm was not only a skilled painter but also a lithographer, designer, and image restorer. But his most famous work relates to the education of youths. No matter the canvas, Klemm’s creations were intricate and finely crafted and usually contained a distinct educational element. His work encompassed a wide range of subjects, including detailed depictions of landscapes, cityscapes, medieval cities, and iconic landmarks like the Acropolis in Greece. But Klemm also delved into architectural renderings, memorial and national monuments, and scenes capturing historical and cultural aspects of human civilization. Later in life, Klemm’s portfolio also extended to include more complex creations, such as industrial cut-away diagrams and wall charts with distinct geographical scenes.

Klemm’s artistic journey began under the guidance of the Austrian theatre painter Carlo Brioschi. It was during the late 1890s that Klemm established a collaborative partnership with F.E. Wachsmuth, a prominent printing and publishing company based in Leipzig, Germany. This partnership aimed to transform Klemm’s school mural drawings into a series of cultural and historical chromolithographs designed for educational purposes and decorative use. Among his most prized compilations was a bird’s eye view of New York.