Numerous attempts have been made over the years to portray Cochise on canvas, paper, and in bronze.  Not all the results reflect Cochise's features as recorded by his contemporaries, but at least one very old sketch seems to have been made with an eye toward accuracy.  The artist was Samuel W. Cozzens, a man who actually met Cochise in Apache Pass and described him as "a tall, dignified-looking Indian."  Cozzens' likeness includes Cochise's prominent nose (somewhat exaggerated, I feel) and his toned, muscular frame.  Cochise sports an earring in Cozzens' illustration, and there is support for the notion that the great chieftain sometimes employed the use of jewelry.   In addition, though difficult to say for certain, the portrait seems to show the use of face paint.  As the following quotes will illustrate, Cochise made use of this effect regularly:  From Joseph Alton Sladen's journal, "His cheeks were slightly painted with vermillion."
From General Howard's 1872 article published in the Washington Daily Morning Chronicle, "When Cochise was mounted, with his face newly painted with vermillion, his countenance wore a more repellent aspect than I had previously noticed." 
 
 

Cochise as depicted by Samuel W. Cozzens, a man who met the famous Apache Chief and was impressed with his physical stature.

Cochise by Betty Butts (photo by Carolyn N. McBride)

Cochise by Robin Wolf

Cochise, Cut The Tent by Gary Bennett

     It is interesting to note that there is a noticeable similarity in the above three depitctions, though they are all by different artists.  The sterness in the face, the set jaw, the prominent cheekbones and even the Roman nose (though with three differing interpretations).  As mentioned elsewhere in this site, Cochise was said to be a very solemn man not predisposed to smiling -- though we have proof from various sources that he had a softer, gentler side and could even be a pleasant conversationalist.  Several noted that his expression was pleasant but somehow melancholy or sad.

     A revealing passage written by Frederick G. Hughes in the Tucson Arizona Star, January 27 and 31, 1886 gives insight into Cochise's personality:
 

      Hughes knew whereof he spoke, as he served as Tom Jeffords' assistant at the Chiricahua Reservation Agency in the early 1870s, and became quite familiar with Cochise and his band.