Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, March 25th. The auction will begin at 9:30 AM (PDT) / 12:30 PM (EDT) / 4:30 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 Thursday, March 26th or Friday, March 27th.
Tigris of Gaul's (Sven-Ole Thorsen) helmet from the production of Ridley Scott's Gladiator. Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) fought the legendary, previously undefeated gladiator Tigris of Gaul at the command of Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). After a fierce contest, Maximus gained the advantage and, despite the bloodthirsty crowd urging him to deliver the killing blow, chose to spare Tigris' life.
This ornate helmet originates directly from renowned designer and illustrator Sylvain Despretz, who designed it for the film. Custom-made for production, it features a tiger's head dome with a pull-down facemask, evoking the myth of Hercules wearing the pelt of the Nemean Lion. Despretz based its top in part on books about Roman arenas, including Daniel P. Mannix's Those About to Die, as well as European graphic novels of the era. Additionally, the designer reviewed French fire brigade helmets on the adamant suggestion of four-time Academy Award®-nominee Scott, who loved their distinctive chrome sheens. The facemask - which Scott said reminded him of Japanese Kabuki theater - was added to represent the smooth, expressionless face of oncoming death, while Despretz also incorporated a teardrop emblem to secretly honor the loss of someone close to him.
Several helmets were made for production and this example was gifted to Despretz when the film wrapped. The helmet is constructed primarily of fiberglass and finished to resemble polished steel, with an interior skullcap and leather chin strap. Also included is a page of original hand-drawn helmet concepts from the production rendered in pencil and ink by Despretz, along with a small selection of behind-the-scenes images showing Despretz holding a Tigris helmet during production. The helmet has been intentionally distressed to appear weathered, tarnished, and battle-scarred. Dimensions: 15.75" x 11.75" x 11.75" (40 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm)
Additional Provenance: Letter of Authenticity from Despretz detailing the design process and his memories of the production.
Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Buyer's Guide.
Estimate: $50,000 - 100,000
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