Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, November 14th. The auction will begin at 3:00 PM GMT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, November 15th, Saturday, November 16th or Sunday, November 17th.
Mark Antony's (Richard Burton) defence of Egypt cuirass and a pair of wrist guards from Joseph L. Mankiewicz's historical epic Cleopatra. Antony commanded the forces defending Egypt from Octavian's (Roddy McDowall) advancing Roman army, only to be forced to flee back to Alexandria. This lot comes from the archives of the Italian costume company Costumi d'Arte.
Seven-time Academy Award nominee Burton was regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation and performed in several films, including Cleopatra, alongside his wife, the iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor. At the time of its release, Cleopatra was the most expensive film ever made. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won four, including Best Costume Design.
The cuirass is made of black leather with red trim and ornate metal symbols and detailings, including a central depiction of the mythical she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. The cuirass is scalloped at the shoulders and waist, while two straps loop over the shoulders from the rear piece to connect it to the front piece. "Antonio - R. Burton" is handwritten in black marker pen on a label on the cuirass' interior.
Each wrist guard comprises a metal plate embossed with olive-branch designs and a leather underside, with laces to secure it to the wearer.
Additional Provenance: This lot comes from the archives of the famed Italian costume company Costumi d'Arte. The company has been supplying some of the biggest film productions in the world with costumes for over 100 years.
Estimate: £10,000 - 20,000 Ω
View all lots from CLEOPATRA (1963)
View all lots from Costumi d'Arte Collection