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Johnny Depp is auctioning off multi-million pound art collection ahead of divorce battle with Amber Heard

Actor has listed his beloved artworks for sale as he gears up for pricey legal fight

JOHNNY Depp appears to be freeing up some cash ahead of his potentially expensive divorce battle by selling off his multi-million pound art collection.

The actor has listed a number of his pricey paintings for sale as he gears up for a major court fight with Amber Heard over his fortune.

 Johnny is selling off his much-loved paintings by his favourite artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
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Johnny is selling off his much-loved paintings by his favourite artist Jean-Michel BasquiatCredit: TLC/Getty Images

It has now emerged that he is selling off his art collection.

Johnny has listed a collection of pieces by artist Jean-Jean-Michael Basquiat with Christie's auction house.

 It is believed he is freeing up cash ahead of his divorce battle with Amber
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It is believed he is freeing up cash ahead of his divorce battle with AmberCredit: AP:Associated Press

The collection, which Johnny has spent 25 years putting together, is estimated to be worth millions.

The sale was announced by Christie's under the lot heading 'Jean-Michel Basquiat from the Collection of Johnny Depp'.

 Johnny and Amber are embroiled in a bitter divorce battle after she accused him of beating her
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Johnny and Amber are embroiled in a bitter divorce battle after she accused him of beating herCredit: Rex Features

A statement from the company reads: "Christie’s will present a time-capsule group of nine works by Jean-Michel Basquiat from the collection of the celebrated actor, producer and musician Johnny Depp.

 The iconic artist died in 1988, aged just 27
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The iconic artist died in 1988, aged just 27Credit: Getty Images

"This carefully curated selection of Basquiat paintings and drawings attests to Depp’s understanding and engagement with one of the most acclaimed icons of 20th-century painting...

"Since the 1990s, Depp has cultivated a detailed appreciation of Basquiat’s works, seeking out pieces that resonate with his understanding of the artist."

 The couple split last month after just 15 months of marriage
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The couple split last month after just 15 months of marriageCredit: Fame Flynet

Johnny added in a message released via the auction house: "Nothing can replace the warmth and immediacy of Basquiat's poetry, or the absolute questions and truths that he delivered.

"The beautiful and disturbing music of his paintings, the cacophony of his silence that attacks our senses, will live far beyond our breath."

 They met on the set of their film The Rum Diary
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They met on the set of their film The Rum DiaryCredit: GK Films

The sale will take place over two days at the end of the month, on 29 and 30 June at Christie's sale room in London.

 Amber claimed Johnny hit her in the face with a phone two days before she filed for divorce
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Amber claimed Johnny hit her in the face with a phone two days before she filed for divorceCredit: PA:Press Association

Amber and Johnny split late last month amid the actress' explosive allegations of domestic violence.

She accused the Hollywood hunk of smashing an iPhone in her face two days before she filed for divorce.

 She arrived at a court hearing sporting a large bruise on her face
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She arrived at a court hearing sporting a large bruise on her faceCredit: PA:Press Association

The actress also sensationally alleged he beat her in drug-fuelled rages during their 15-month marriage.

They failed to sign a pre-nuptial agreement prior to their wedding last year in what could be a costly mistake for Johnny.

Reports suggest Amber could walk away with a hefty settlement at the end of the fierce divorce battle.

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