Emma Sophia Baker

Place: Milton

Born: 1856

Death: 1943

Biography:

Emma Sophia Baker, also known as Emma Bacher, was a Canadian psychologist born on February 27, 1856, in Milton, Canada. She is notable for being the first person to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Toronto and one of the first two women to earn a Ph.D. from that institution.

Early Life and Education

Baker attended Newmarket High School in Newmarket, Toronto Normal School, and Albert College in Belleville. She taught and served as a principal at several all-girls' schools, including Dickenson's Seminary (now Lycoming College) in Pennsylvania, and Presbyterian Ladies' College in Toronto.

Career

While earning her Ph.D. in philosophy, Baker worked under the supervision of August Kirschmann, a German-born psychologist who led the psychology laboratory at the University of Toronto. In the laboratory, Baker conducted experiments on the aesthetics of colors and published two studies on the topic as her doctoral dissertation. These studies were titled "Experiments on the aesthetic of light and color: On combinations of two colors" and "Experiments on the aesthetic of light and color: Spectrally pure colors in binary combinations". Baker's work was an important contribution to the field of psychology, particularly in the area of aesthetics. Her research focused on the effects of different color combinations on human perception, which is still a relevant topic today.

Artistic Inspirations

Although Baker's own work was not directly related to painting, her studies on color and light can be seen as an inspiration for many artists who explore these themes in their work. For example, the Claude Monet painting "The Sunken Road in the Cliff at Varangeville" showcases the artist's use of light and color to create a captivating landscape. Other notable artists whose work explores similar themes include Franz Marc, known for his vibrant and emotive works, such as "Tiger", and Pierre Bonnard, who created beautiful landscapes like "Woman with Dog".

Legacy

Baker's legacy extends beyond her own work. She paved the way for future generations of women in psychology and academia. Her contributions to the field of aesthetics continue to inspire artists and researchers today. For more information on Emma Sophia Baker, visit August Kirschmann or check out her profile on Claude Monet. You can also explore the works of other notable artists and psychologists at Franz Marc or learn about the history of psychology at Pierre Bonnard.

• Notable works: "Experiments on the aesthetic of light and color: On combinations of two colors" and "Experiments on the aesthetic of light and color: Spectrally pure colors in binary combinations"
• Institutions attended: University of Toronto, Newmarket High School, Toronto Normal School, Albert College
• Notable artists inspired by her work: Claude Monet, Franz Marc, Pierre Bonnard

The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute are also great resources for learning about art and psychology. Visit their pages on Emma Sophia Baker or Wikipedia to learn more.