Just When You Thought It Was Safe To Be A Modern Architect . . .

How do we place a value on two similar works of art?

This week, Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House is still flooded

and they're desperately seeking funds to restore and reopen this masterpiece. The National Trust and Landmarks Illinois would love it if you could please send even $25.

On Monday, at Sotheby's, a version of a Damien Hirst shark

sold for $17 million dollars.

What's wrong with this picture? Which one do you think is worth more?

Edward Lifson blogs at ClosetoEcstasy.com

Comments

[DuPageDem]

There's been a plan kicking around for a while to put hydraulics under the house, raising it up when we get these 100 year floods every 5-10 years. Sounds crazy, but it just might work.

[Edward Lifson - Huffpost Blogger]

I think that's a good idea DuPageDem! And I think it would work. The house is not that large, doesn't weight that much. Would some hydraulics company want to donate their gear? Wouldn't it be great advertising? -Edward

[ChiGuy]

How tragic.
I visited Farnsworth House just 3 short months ago while giving a friend with an architecture jones like my own a tour of not only Mies' buildings, but also Wright's, Daniel Burnham's, and so many more throughout downtown Chicago and other areas of notable concentration.

I will DEFINITELY send what I can to help in the restoration of this crucial work by a great architect.

[Edward Lifson - Huffpost Blogger]

ChiGuy, they thank you. The rest of you- don't be "Chi." I now hear the inside of the Farnsworth House smells like, guess what? Dead Fish.