(urth) The mystery of the image of an astronaut cleaned by Rudesind

[David Stockhoff]

As I've said, I can accept the composite theory if I must, but I have 
reason to doubt it. However, since it's supposedly a painting, there may 
be a real painting or illustration that combines these elements and 
therefore "is" the painting if Wolfe saw it---even if Rudesind's is a 
totally different physical painting. All that is necessary is that 
somewhere is a scene that fits the description---not that it be a 
photograph.

And I admit that what really motivates me is that I am sure I've seen it 
somewhere!

Are there any photos with the astronaut holding the flag?

James Wynn wrote:
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>>
>>>
>>>> It's true that the figure holds the flag. But you have to allow for
>>>> some poetic license as far as visor color and earth distance.
>>>
>>> _Maybe_ visor color since it is not "entirely gold". But there's no
>>> requirement for Urth size is there?
>>
>> I think "entirely gold" is meant to convey the entire visor is gold 
>> colored, rather than merely a gold band across the eyes or some other 
>> arrangement of detail.
>
> I take it to mean that the visor looked like it was made of gold. That 
> works for the picture.The black could readily be scene as part of the 
> reflection on the visor.
>
>>   Speaking of the visor, if you click to show the full resolution of 
>> the second image linked, you can see another astronaut (apparently 
>> Harrison Schmitt) rather than "nothing more".
>
> Eh...I can see what might be an arm since I know what to look for.
>
> But on reflection, it would have been pointless in this case to 
> reference a single photo among the hundreds taken and illustrations 
> created of the lunar landings. Wolfe described a picture that included 
> the important elements for us to identify the scene and context. We 
> can easily imagine the scene based on his description.
>
> On the other hand, what is Severian looking at when he sees "a dancer 
> whose wings seemed leeches"?
>
> u+169b
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