During World War II, Juan Menchaca trained the Army's camouflage unit and later, under the title Litho Artist, he drew training manuals and made models to aid in the identification of ships. After the war, Menchaca returned to diorama production and eventually served as inaugural chief curator at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in Oklahoma City.
 
This painting, made 45 years after Goodnight's death, shows a figure who resembles Goodnight. In timing, countenance, and title, however, could this be something like a self-portrait? The title includes the word, reminiscence, and perhaps refers not to an elder Goodnight reflecting on his life, but to an elder Menchaca reflecting on the people, history, and land he had faithfully depicted for over 40 years.

To see an image of the artist at work, click the Explore section below.

Denver Post Archives, April 7, 1960. “Juan Menchaca, noted artist-technician for State Historical Society, puts final touches on figures in diorama he created especially for centennial of Pony Express.” Credit: Denver Post Post via Getty Images.

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