Temporary Cataloguer, Impressionist & Modern Art
About The Position
Sotheby’s is seeking a Temporary Cataloguer to support the Impressionist & Modern Art Department, working closely with the research and sale teams on the Modern Evening Auction. The Modern Evening Auction comprises work by European, American and Latin American artists from the latter half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, from Monet’s first forays in Impressionism to the explosive works of the Abstract Expressionists. This role will assist in researching, cataloguing and preparing works for upcoming Modern evening and single-owner collection auctions. The position offers exposure to all stages of the auction cycle and close collaboration with specialists, researchers, and cross-departmental partners.
Requirements
- Strong interest in and general knowledge of Impressionist and Modern Art
- Self-starter
- A team player with excellent communication skills
- Thorough and focused, with a passion and commitment to learning about and working in the field
- Professional and discreet client service skills
- Excellent writing and proof-reading
- Attention to detail and organization are essential
- Ability to maintain composure in a stressful environment and meet frequent deadlines
- Ability to prioritize and multi-task
- Ability to work after hours and on weekends during catalogue deadlines and pre-sale exhibition
- Fluency with Microsoft Office suite and Adobe PDF editor
Nice To Haves
- Foreign languages, especially French or German, a plus
- Knowledge of Sotheby’s systems and software a plus
Responsibilities
- Conduct provenance, literature and exhibition history research through both internal and external libraries
- Assist with pre-cataloguing research
- Organize scans and references for catalogue entries
- Draft catalogue essays
- Maintain comprehensive property files for sale including fact sheets, images and supporting documentation
- Support proposal process for business getting efforts
- Contribute to valuation listings as needed
- Collaborate on paste-ups and layouts for both digital and print publications, from online catalogues to printed mini books and collection catalogues
- Ensure color accuracy of lot images and assist with direction for photography and video
- Liaise with necessary support departments including pre-sale administration, registrars, catalogue production, press and marketing
- Closely examine condition of works and liaise with third-party conservators for professional condition reports and treatment
- Work with other external vendors including framers, scholars, archivists and experts
- Collaborate with sale team on exhibition preparation and installation
- Develop market knowledge and pricing
- Support the larger department by answering the phones and handling mainline requests
- Ad hoc projects and assignments as needed and assigned by manager
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
