A candid self-portrait of William Valentine Schevill at his easel, wearing a traditional green artist's eyeshade.

This self-portrait by William Valentine Schevill offers a candid view into the working life of an early twentieth-century painter. Schevill depicts himself seated before an easel, dressed in a crisp white shirt with a dark tie, holding a palette and brush. The most striking element is the green eyeshade, a practical accessory used by artists of the period to reduce glare and manage light while working in the studio.

The composition is structured around the diagonal of the easel, which creates a sense of depth and frames the artist within his own workspace. Behind him, the background suggests a studio environment with hints of other canvases and furniture, rendered in muted, atmospheric tones. The brushwork is confident and direct, showing the influence of the academic training Schevill received in Munich and Paris.

Schevill, born in Cincinnati, spent significant time in Europe, which informed his approach to portraiture. Unlike more formal, posed portraits of the era, this work captures a moment of professional focus. The lighting is controlled, reflecting the artist's concern with the technical aspects of his craft. The green visor acts as a barrier, obscuring his eyes and shifting the viewer's attention to the act of painting itself. This piece provides a glimpse into the daily reality of a professional artist, stripped of the usual romanticised notions of the creative process. It is a study in concentration, utility, and the quiet environment of the studio.