Is Johnny Depp short of cash?

The actor wants to sell nine of his precious paintings, Christie's, the world's leading art business, has confirmed.

Depp's multimillion dollar Jean-Michel Basquiat art collection is expected to go on auction later this month, something the Pirates of the Caribbean actor has been wanting to do since early this year, New York Daily News reported.

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However, Depp's decision to let go of his collection came as a surprise. It took him 25 years to built that, not to mention that he is an avid fan of the late artist.

"Nothing can replace the warmth and immediacy of Basquiat's poetry, or the absolute questions and truths that he delivered," Depp praised Basquiat in a book about the artist.

Depp praised his work for its exquisiteness yet the "disturbing music" and for "the cacophony of his silence that attacks our senses." The auction is scheduled for June 29-30 at Christie's King Street Auction House

Also, coincidental with the sale is the actor's split from wife Amber Heard, only 15 months after they tied the knot.

Depp is on his way to the biggest fight of his life. With $400 million at stake, the divorce proceedings could get nasty, and half his assets might even end up in Heard's hands.

Court documents have revealed that Heard only earned $383,000 in 2014, primarily from Magic Mike XXL. However, her actual take-home salary was only $51,000 after agent fees and other expenses were deducted.

Her 2016 prospects were even bleaker. According to Daily Mail, Heard earned only $27,000 from January 1 to May 31 this year, her income derived only from royalties of her recent appearance.

TagsJohnny Depp, Amber Heard, Jean-Michel Basquia