Ernest Hamlin Baker Biography

Lived/Active: New York      Known for: illustrator-magazine cover portraits.
Born in Rhode Island, this self-taught illustrator was responsible for eleven Fortune Magazine covers between 1929-1941. The majority of his work, however, could be found on the cover of Time Magazine.
Beginning in 1939, Baker enjoyed a seventeen-year career with the publication, during which he produced more than 300 covers. Ralph Ingersoll, publisher of Time, once described Baker as an artist who could "do anything." One of Baker's most famous subjects was George Marshall, who was selected as Time Magazine's Man of the Year for 1947.

His work was part of the painting event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics


Baker also became involved in WPA programs during the 1930s. One such project was a 1939 mural entitled, "Activities of the Narragansett Planters" which is located in the Wakefield Post Office in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.