EODIAH Provenance Researcher

Description

Job Type 

Contract 

DALLAS, TX-Curatorial 

Description 

Position: Contract EODIAH Provenance Researcher 

Reports to: Lillian and James H. Clark Assistant Curator of European Art 

Level: Individual Contributor 

Classification: Contract, Part-Time 

Benefits: not benefits eligible 

Schedule: standard office hours, onsite at the DMA campus 

Salary: $25/hour, approximately 14-21 hours per week 

Mission: The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive. 

The DMA will: 

• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate. 
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art. 
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity. 

Scope of the Position: 

Under the guidance of the joint DMA-EODIAH Project Advisory panel and reporting to the Assistant Curator of European Art, the Contract Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History (EODIAH) Provenance Researcher will support ongoing research and documentation of the Dallas Museum of Art’s collection of ancient Mediterranean art and archaeological material. The Contract EODIAH Provenance Researcher will vet and augment the existing documentation of ownership, exhibition history, and publication references for objects in the collection. Additionally, the Contract EODIAH Provenance Researcher will be expected to conduct an overall assessment of the ancient Mediterranean collection and create a research priority list. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Support ongoing research and documentation of the Dallas Museum of Art’s collection of ancient Mediterranean art, including but not limited to Etruscan, Roman, and Greek objects 
• Conduct primary and secondary source research utilizing a multitude of resources, including DMA object files and the DMA Mayer Library 
• Maintain best standards of practice conducting provenance research 
• Provide an overall assessment of the ancient Mediterranean collection 
• After completing precursory reviews, create and deploy a research priority list, keeping detailed notes on the status of each object under review 
• Vet and augment existing documentation concerning history of ownership, exhibition history, and publication references 
• Follow up on all research leads, including sending correspondence to dealers, galleries, and previous owners to augment research files 
• Create and/or update the Museum’s analog and digital (TMS) object records 
• When and if applicable update AAMD’s online object registry for New Acquisitions of Archaeological Material and Works of Ancient Art 
• Provide bi-weekly status updates to the Assistant Curator of European Art and provide bi-monthly status updates to the Project Advisory Panel about ongoing research and project progress 
• In collaboration with the Project Advisory Panel, organize and participate in a workshop for select UTD students and faculty detailing issues in the field of provenance based on case studies of objects in the DMA collection 
• Other duties as assigned 

Requirements

Education, Experience, and Certification: 

• MA in Art History, Archaeology, History or closely related field with particular emphasis on ancient Mediterranean studies 
• Knowledge of provenance issues pertaining to archaeological materials; previous provenance research experience highly desirable 
• 1-2 years’ experience working in a museum, academic, or similar setting highly desirable 
• Previous TMS experience a plus. 

Key Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated research proficiency 
• Demonstrated project management skills 
• Ability to perform complex research with attention to detail while continuously moving overall project forward 
• Excellent time management and analysis skills 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Aptitude for working collaboratively on projects 
• Adherence to the highest standards of research and ethical best practices 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and the TMS database 
• Willing to work flexible hours onsite at the DMA while moving frequently throughout building to access object files and conduct research in the library 
• Must maintain strict confidentiality while working with sensitive information 

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