VIOLIN TOP SELLER AT RUSSELL CROWE AUSTRALIA AUCTION
» A 128-yearold CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA 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 ($104,000), 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. More surprisingly, a costume that Crowe wore in the same 2003 movie wasn’t far behind, raking in AU$115,000.
While the violin was close to the top of Sotheby Australia’s valuation, the winning bid for character Captain Jack Aubrey’s dress uniform exceeded the auctioneer’s hopes by AU$80,000.
The violin’s price was only exceeded by a painting from Crowe’s extensive collection by Australian artist Brett Whiteley, “Moreton Bay Fig and Palms,” which sold for AU$190,000.
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 actresssinger Alisa Nasteski sang Happy Birthday and the crowd of bidders and spectators — some in formal wear, others wearing sports teamcolored beanies — gave him three cheers
Crowe’s torso armor from “Gladiator”, 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. And a leather boxer’s protector, worn by Crowe when he played James J. Braddock in the 2005 movie “Cinderella Man” sold for AU$7,000 after intense bidding. — The Associated Press