Cataloguer, Old Master Paintings

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

 

THE ROLE

 This person will work on cataloguing and coordinating sales in the Old Master Paintings department.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with cataloguing and researching items for the Old Master sales, encompassing European paintings from the late 13th to 19th centuries:
• Independently researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard while also meeting strict scheduled deadlines
• Corresponding with and establishing relationships with external experts, while also following up on all outstanding research inquiries
• Writing condition reports for the lots on offer
• Working with the cataloguing and business-getting team on all aspects of sale production including cataloguing, digital catalogue production, lot order finalization, proofreading, color-checking, producing marketing material and editorial content, assisting with exhibition layout and set-up, staffing exhibitions, and helping to target potential bidders
• General department support, including answering phones, and helping with day-to-day client enquiries at the front desk, through the online inquiry portal, by email and on the telephone
• Maintaining excellence in client service when responding to estimate enquiries, general correspondence and photo requests
• Developing and managing client relationships
• Assisting the senior experts with the research of paintings for auction, fair market and insurance valuations, proposals, and others

 

 

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
• Education in Art History, preferably, but not exclusively, with a Northern Baroque area of specialization (BA and some graduate coursework required; MA, MPhil, or PhD preferred)
• Strong experience in Old Masters, ideally in an auction environment
• Excellent research, organization, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Proven capacity to prioritize multiple highly important processes and responsibilities in a high-pressured environment while meeting constant deadlines
• Ability to work effectively both individually and as a team, while also pitching in to provide senior members of staff and colleagues with support
• Commitment to an exemplary level of client service
• Demonstrates a strong record in client relationship management and a sensitive approach to problem solving
• Possesses high levels of integrity and discretion in line with Sotheby’s corporate governance and legal framework
• Self-motivated and proactive
• Knowledge of at least one other European language
• Requires on-site presence, as well as flexibility in work hours as needed

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $52,000-$60,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. 

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