Maximus Profitus! Crowe’s €2.3m sale
RUSSELL CROWE’S ‘The Art Of Divorce’ auction has raised AU$3.5m (€2.3m) – including a staggering €78,000 for the breastplate he wore in his most famous movie, Gladiator.
Crowe starred as Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 blockbuster, and among other memorabilia sold at the auction in Sydney yesterday was a Roman chariot, which fetched €40,700.
A leather boxer’s protector, worn by Crowe when he played heavyweight champion James J. Braddock in the 2005 film Cinderella Man, estimated to bring just €344, sold for €4,600 after intense bidding.
And a uniform from his Master And Commander sea adventure went for €72,162 as the Australian actor celebrated the finalising of his divorce by selling off memorabilia from his films and private life in a bid to start what he called a new chapter in his life.
Earlier this year, Crowe, who celebrated his 54th birthday yesterday, settled his divorce with ex-wife Danielle Spencer more than five years after they separated, handing over cash and assets worth more than C17 m.
Trying to recoup some of the money, Crowe sold dozens of items, including a violin from Master And Commander for €86,000.
The 128-year-old Italian instrument was ‘very close to my heart’, the Oscar winner said.
A cheerful Crowe made an appearance at the auction.
‘G’day, folks,’ he said to the crowd. ‘Are you having a little bit of fun? It’s exciting, isn’t it? It’s been a lot of fun putting it together for you.’