Ferdinand Eduard von Stumm (1843-1925) was born in Neunkirchen, Saarland, Germany, into a family that played a crucial role in the economic development of Germany in the 19th century. He studied law and political science before entering the Prussian diplomatic service in 1867. During his career he held important posts in diplomatic missions, including positions at strategic European courts. In fact, between 1887-1892 he resided in Madrid as ambassador. He was an important ally of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and contributed to German foreign policy in a period of consolidation and expansion of the German Empire. In addition to his diplomatic career, he took on a significant role in the management of the family businesses, which included steel industries and mines in the Saarland region. These enterprises were part of Germany's industrial boom and established the Stumm family as one of the most influential of the time. Von Stumm was also an avid art collector. In 1932 his private collection was auctioned, and was one of the most outstanding of the time.