While some people are having a tough time coping with grief after divorce, actor Russell Crowe decided to celebrate his divorce with Danielle Spencer. On 7 April, the actor’s 54th birthday, as well as his 15th wedding anniversary, Russell Crowe has held his ‘Art of Divorce’ auction selling memorabilia at Sotheby’s Sydney.

Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer 

The sale offered 226 items ranging from Australian art, decorative arts, watches and jewellery, to props and costumes from Crowe’s career in film and music. The sale realized AUD$3.7m (US$2.8m) in five hours.

Russell Crowe has gained worldwide popularity for his role as the Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in historical epic film Gladiator (2000).

The torso armour that worn by Crowe in Gladiator realized AUD$152,500 outstripping pre-sale estimate AUD$20,000 - 30,000. A fully functioning replica Roman chariot from the film sold for AUD$79,300.

A violin used by Crowe in the film Master and Commander (2003) as Captain Jack Aubrey sold for AUD$164,700.

Australian art from artists such as Charles Blackman, Sidney Nolan, and Robert Dickerson also performed beyond expectation at the sale. The top lot of the sale was Charles Blackman’s The Suitor, fetching AUD$439,200; and Brett Whiteley’s Moreton Bay Fig and Palms sold for AUD$231,800.

Charles Blackman's The Suitor

Brett Whiteley’s Moreton Bay Fig and Palms

Other highlights at the sale include a 1917 ‘Precision’ motorcycle, estimated at AUD$20,000 - $30,000, which sold for AUD$61,000. A blue satin robe that Crowe wore in Cinderella Man (2005) also saw strong interest from bidders and sold for AUD$24,400, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate AUD$1,000 - 2,000.

A 1917 500cc 'Precision' Motorcycle, Mdl-18560

 

Other items offered at the sale:

A New Zealand Test Cricket '200 Club' cricket bat sold for AUD$1,464

Rolex Gold Automatic Chronograph Wristwatch, Cosmograph Daytona, late 1990s, sold for AUD$48,800

An Epiphone Les Paul Deluxe 'Metallic Blue Sparkle' Electric Guitar, 2000, Inscribed by Les Paul, sold for AUD$13,420

 

Auction summary:

Auction house: Sotheby’s Australia
Sale: Russell Crowe: The Art of Divorce
Sale date: 7 April 2018
Lots offered: 226
Sale total: AUD$3,731,553

 (All prices realized have included buyer’s premium unless otherwise specified)