Russell makes millions at auction
Auction, titled The Art of Divorce, took place on the actor’s birthday
A 128-year-old Italian violin that Russell Crowe learned to play in a few months before he starred in the 19th century war drama Master and Commander stole the show among movie memorabilia on offer at the Oscar-winning actor’s auction on Saturday.
The rare instrument by Leandro Bislach sold for 135,000 Australian dollars (Dh380,263), the highest price for movie-related offerings among 227 lots up for sale in Sydney as part of the Australia-based New Zealander’s divorce settlement.
Bidders’ interest had been expected to focus on the violin and paraphernalia from Gladiator, the 2000 blockbuster that earned Crowe his Academy Award for Best Actor. Demand for movie memorabilia often overwhelmed expectations.
Crowe’s torso armour, expected to fetch up to AU$30,000, sold for AU$125,000. A replica Roman chariot, thought to be worth up to AU$10,000, was sold for AU$65,000.
The auction, titled The Art of Divorce, took place on the actor’s 54th birthday and the anniversary of his wedding to singer Danielle Spencer in 2003.
A cheerful Crowe made an appearance after Sydney actress-singer Alisa Nasteski sang Happy Birthday and the crowd of bidders and spectators — some in formal wear, others wearing sports team-coloured beanies — gave him three cheers
“G’day folks, how’re you doing?” Crowe said to the crowd. “Are you having a little bit of fun? It’s exciting, isn’t it? So it’s been a lot of fun putting it together for you.”
Crowe tweeted after the five-hour auction that he had earned AU$3.7 million, with potential sales worth AU$350,000 still under negotiation. —