Alert Janeite Lisa just sent us word that the portrait of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy used in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice has sold at auction for £12,000–twice the estimated price.

Today, a handful of die-hard fans were engaged in a bitter bidding war to own a piece of the smouldering aristocrat who won the hearts of millions in the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice.

[. . ]

Even before the sale began, the painting was subject to a number of advance bids, a spokesman for the London auction house said.

We are pleased that the charities will share such a large sum, and we dare say Mr. Firth is as well. Nonetheless, we find this scary fangirl behavior slightly disturbing, but at the same time are consumed with curiosity to know who won the auction! 🙂