Maximus prof its of £2m at Crowe sale
RUSSELL CROWE’S ‘The Art Of Divorce’ auction has raised £2 million – including a whopping £68,000 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 £35,500.
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 only £300, sold for £4,000 after intense bidding.
And a uniform from his Master And Commander sea adventure went for £63,000, as the New Zealand-born 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.
Crowe, who celebrated his 54th birthday yesterday, settled his divorce with ex-wife Danielle Spencer earlier this year – more than five years after they separated. He handed over cash and assets worth more than £15 million.
Trying to recoup some of the money, Crowe sold dozens of items, including a violin from Master And Commander for £75,000. 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.’