Cataloguer, American Art

Christie's•New York, NY

1d•$57,000 - $63,000

About The Position

Christie’s is hiring a Cataloguer for its American Art department. The role contributes to producing auction and private sale materials, processing consigned works of art, researching and writing catalogue entries, proofreading, coordinating photography, and performing other duties based on department priorities and sale schedules. The position supports the department during a period of expansion and helps maintain its standard of excellence in the American Art market.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of paid experience in the arts.
Knowledge of email, spreadsheet, word-processing, and presentation software; Microsoft Office is preferred.
Ability to learn Christie’s systems, including COS, JDE, the intranet, and website.
Strong typing skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
Superior client service skills.
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Demonstrated ability to multitask and prioritize.
Strong follow-up skills and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in the fine or decorative art category, or equivalent work experience.
Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Research property bibliography, provenance, and exhibition history using libraries, online databases, the internet, and outside experts.
Physically catalogue property for public and private sales, including measuring it and assessing its condition and media.
Write and prepare catalogue essays.
Assist business-getters with documents for potential consignments, such as proposals.
Coordinate restoration and framing, serving as a primary liaison with outside experts and internal stakeholders.
Communicate between the department and experts in a timely and effective manner.
Promptly flag authenticity concerns and condition issues to the appropriate specialist.
Proofread cataloguing with specialists before submitting final proofs to Catalogue Production.
Prepare property for hilling sessions and amend catalogue sheets following those sessions.
Send special interest letters to market upcoming auctions, as assigned.
Prepare condition reports in the system and forward them to clients upon request.
Assist clients in galleries during preview weekend and sale week, serving as the main point of contact for questions about sale property.
Maintain the department library and research materials.
Assist with catalogue production as needed.
Coordinate photography, restoration, and copyright approval.
Maintain sale images in the media library, monitor progress, and liaise with the photo studio about missing images and deadlines.
Participate in telephone bidding with clients during auctions.
Contribute to business getting.
Assist with appraisals by conducting research for insurance appraisal documents and liaising between Trust & Estates and the department.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision care plans for employees and dependents; Christie’s pays an average of 80% of total premiums.
401(k) Savings Plan with matching contributions up to 5%, subject to IRS limits.
Life insurance of 3 times base salary, up to $400,000, paid in full by Christie’s.
Disability insurance paid in full by Christie’s.
Generous time-off and leave policies, including 100% paid family leave for up to 16 weeks.
Fitness reimbursement of eligible fees and memberships up to $600 per year.
Annual discretionary performance bonus plan.
Pre-tax commuter benefits and a $21 monthly Christie’s contribution.
Up to 10 days of backup child or elder care through Bright Horizons.
One paid corporate social responsibility day per year for charity work.
Perks and discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits.