Born in Copenhagen in 1863, Jens Ferdinand Willumsen received his formal training at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. He became a central figure in the Danish art scene, notably participating in the formation of Den Frie Udstilling, an artists' association established in 1891 to challenge the conservative standards of the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition.

Willumsen's practice spanned painting, sculpture, ceramics, and photography, often characterized by a bold, expressive use of color and Symbolist themes. His work frequently explored human emotion and the natural landscape, reflecting his engagement with international movements such as the Wiener Secession.

His legacy is preserved at the J.F. Willumsens Museum in Frederikssund, Denmark, which houses a significant collection of his works. Recent institutional collaborations continue to highlight his historical role in connecting Danish modernism with broader European artistic developments.