Russell Crowe’s Gladiator props sold at ‘divorce auction’
Written by News on 08/04/2018
Torso armour and a replica Roman chariot from the movie Gladiator eclipsed expectations at Russell Crowe’s “divorce auction” in Sydney.
A breastplate worn by Crowe in his Oscar-winning performance sold for AU$125,000 (£68,246) at Sotheby’s Australia, having been predicted to fetch between $20,000 (£10,919) and $30,000 (£16,379).
The chariot used in the epic film, in which the New Zealand actor played general-turned-gladiator Maximus Decimus Meridius, sold for $65,000 (£35,488). Sotheby’s Australia had predicted it would sell for $10,000 (£5,459).
Life-size prop horses and weapons used in the 2000 film were also for sale in the auction titled The Art Of Divorce.
Hollywood star Crowe and his soon-to-be ex-wife Danielle Spencer, a singer and actress, partnered up with Sotheby’s Australia to sell personal items with a total value of between $2.6m (£1.4m) and $3.7m (£2m).
Some 227 items were available to the highest bidders, including dozens of Crowe’s guitars and Spencer’s jewellery.
A leather crotch protector worn by Crowe in his portrayal of heavyweight boxing champion James J Braddock in Cinderella Man sold for $7,000 (£3,821).
The item was predicted to fetch between $500 (£272) and $600 (£327).
The auction took place on the actor’s 54th birthday on Saturday, which also marks the anniversary of his wedding to Spencer in 2003.
A cheerful Crowe made an appearance at Sotheby’s after singer Alisa Nasteski sang Happy Birthday.
The crowd gave him three cheers before a 128-year-old violin made by Leandro Bisiach sold for $135,000 (£73,580).
Crowe learned to play the instrument in just a few months for his role as Captain Jack Aubrey in the 2003 movie Master And Commander.
The violin achieved the highest price among the movie-related offerings.
The rare instrument’s price was only exceeded by a painting from Crowe’s extensive collection by Australian artist Brett Whiteley.
Moreton Bay Fig And Palms sold for $190,000 (£103,557).
Crowe and Spencer split in 2012 after nearly 10 years together.
They have only now decided to go through divorce proceedings.
(c) Sky News 2018: Russell Crowe’s Gladiator props sold at ‘divorce auction’
