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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Rediscovering Home >> Washington Rediscovered: Year 10 > Mistaken identity: Astronaut, not a race car driver
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16-Aug-2026

Mistaken identity: Astronaut, not a race car driver

When Tim photographed this figure in front of the Organization of American States building on Constitution Avenue (below, previous picture), we thought it was a race car driver due to the building’s proximity to the America 250 Grand Prix track, but we went for a closer look today and turns out it’s a massive 23-foot (seven-meter) tall astronaut sculpture titled “Serve the Flag” by artist Brendan Murphy. The piece is part of the "Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy" exhibition and is on display at the OAS Art Museum of the Americas.

Freedom 250 Grand Prix race car driver, posted earlier

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
1/310s f/1.8 at 6.8mm iso64 full exif

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Dave Petersen Photography18-Aug-2026 11:21
An interesting capture that I think is highlighted by the reflections on the outer visor of the faceplate. This would definitely catch my attention due to the uniqueness of display. Nicely photographed and a pretty cool image to share. VV
Bill Miller18-Aug-2026 06:01
We have his brother in Perth !!!
https://pbase.com/bassrock/image/176388074
Fong Lam18-Aug-2026 05:32
The graffiti-like markings across the figure give Brendan Murphy’s Serve the Flag a wonderfully contemporary, energetic character, while its enormous scale makes it impossible to ignore. Great story behind the photograph — and a reminder that sometimes a second look completely changes what we think we are seeing....V
Liz Bickel18-Aug-2026 03:16
Cool.
globalgadabout17-Aug-2026 22:06
an eye-catching figure...with the USA's current politics, a trip to outer space seems a good idea..
Ursula Miller17-Aug-2026 20:53
It’s a spectacular sculpture! V
Nestor Derkach17-Aug-2026 17:25
Great close up of this Astronaut looks like he got a lot of autographs.
Amazing at 23 feet tall.
Vote
Marcia Rules17-Aug-2026 13:28
Very bold and easy to love! VV~
pkocinski17-Aug-2026 12:24
I don't get why the scribbles are all over it...
janescottcumming17-Aug-2026 12:12
That’s wild looking! V
Milan Vogrin17-Aug-2026 06:16
Look great. V
Ton, Ben & Rob Nagtegaal17-Aug-2026 05:32
Beautiful and spectacular image, great shot Tim. V
Nirvan Hope17-Aug-2026 05:16
The sculpture looks immense!
Gerard KOEHL17-Aug-2026 04:42
Spectaculaire. V
David Buzzeo17-Aug-2026 03:10
Love it. V.
joseantonio17-Aug-2026 02:42
looks really huge.V.
Carl Carbone17-Aug-2026 01:47
Strange message, but neat display.
Dennis Hoyne17-Aug-2026 00:51
Such an eye catching display!
Denise J T Lee16-Aug-2026 23:31
So spectacular ! An astronaut ? Those striking colors can start a fashion trend. ~VVVVV+++~
Nick Paoni16-Aug-2026 22:37
An easy mistake to make. He looks cool no matter his profession though.
Julie Oldfield16-Aug-2026 20:54
It’s quite interesting, especially with the writing and metallic quality. Love the POV. V