Rose II is obviously a part of the secret rule that outdoor sculptures have to be a gigantic version of something that is usually moderately-sized in order to be cool.

It’s in the company of a lot of really cool art – Cupid’s Span, the Lincoln Memorial, Maman – but why do they always have to be so massive? The answer is likely, “why the heck not?” which is good enough for us, especially when said giant sculpture is by someone as magnificent as Isa Genzken. Our answer might not be the same for say, Jeff Koons, but this could just be out of solidarity with Isa. She said of Koons, “He‘s of my generation, makes much worse art than me, but is so much more expensive,” and “I think that’s unfair.” Everyone must beware of the wage gap, even someone as sick as Isa Genzken isn't getting hers.

Rose II was the rose that replaced Ugo Rondinone’s rainbow “Hell, Yes” sign that was on the front of the New Museum previously. For that, a lot of people were wary of Rose II at first. I mean, what could possibly replace “Hell, Yes” in the hearts of New Yorkers? Rose II was just as special, though. It grew in the hearts of everyone who viewed it (sorry not sorry for the pun).

So as you may have already guessed, this flower isn’t some genetically modified freak of nature. It is in fact made out of stainless steel, aluminum and lacquer and doesn’t smell like anything. The only thing that it has in common with a real rose is the fact that if you buy it for your significant other, there is a good chance that it’ll get you out of the doghouse. Though you’d be better off going to your local florist because this is worth $750,000. However, if you use flowers to get out of trouble often, this may be a good investment!