Cataloguer, 20/21 Private Sales

The Role

This is a newly created role which offers a unique opportunity to work across the 20/21 Cluster. The Cataloguer position is responsible for cataloguing all Impressionist & Modern and Post-War and Contemporary Art private sale material consigned through Paris and other locations as required. 

Responsibilities include processing the consigned works of art for sale, including research, preparation of catalogue essays, expertise and provenance checks, ALR clearance; coordination of photography, condition reports, hilling sessions, colour checking and varying duties as required by the Private sales team.

Specific duties & responsibilities will include but are not limited to

• Research property for bibliography, provenance and exhibition history using libraries, on-line databases, the internet, and outside experts (such as curators, dealers, publishers, etc.)

• Catalogue property for private sales using evening sale standards for each department, proof fact sheet and review with Private sale team before it is circulated internally or externally

• Prepare property for hilling sessions (meetings to determine value, condition and marketability of property); and amend fact sheets after hilling sessions.

• Write and prepare essays for fact sheets, prepare speaking points and other related materials

• Research property for authentication with artist’s foundations, committees, studios, etc. and flag any authenticity and restitution concerns in a timely manner to the appropriate specialist

• Submit catalogue entry to internal Restitution team and/or Art Loss Registry as appropriate

• Review high value property with outside conservators and prepare Christie’s condition reports for private sale property at all levels; review condition report with Private sales team before it is sent externally and forward condition reports to specialists offering the work upon request

• Coordinate photography, colour checking, framing, matting, and restoration internally and with external supplies are required

• Track sale cost expenditures relating to photography, framing, restoration, and liaise with the Private Sale Coordinators to ensure execution of payment to suppliers

• Maintain property images in Canvas, PS APP and JDE (monitor progress, liaise with photo studio on missing images, deadline constraints)

• Maintain running list of catalogued property for private sale with notes about status of condition reports, hilling, color checking and authentication, where applicable; keep all property details organized and filed in specific folders

• Liaise with Specialist team to order special books or exhibitions catalogues related to private sale property as needed

• Work with specialists and Proposals department to prepare materials for business getting and for prospective buyers

• Organize and coordinate private viewings, including preparing print documentation and liaise with operations to book galleries and hang the paintings

• Oversee Private sale hangs during marquee weeks and support exhibitions in Paris in collaboration with the Private sales team

• Assist clients in galleries during Private sales hangs and exhibitions

• Prepare materials for internal meetings including round tables, gallery guides/price lists, and other presentations as required

• Assist with Marketing and Press initiatives as required

• Other duties as assigned by Managers

The Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree in art history, Impressionist & Modern and/or Post-War and Contemporary art categories preferred, or equivalent work experience; Master’s degree preferred

• Knowledge of the categories with market awareness and commercial acumen

• In depth appreciation of the international markets, competitors, collections and with a view and perspective on future growth opportunities

• Knowledge of E-mail, Spreadsheet, Word Processing and Presentation software (Microsoft Office preferred)

• Ability to learn Christie’s systems including COS, JDE, intranet and website

• Strong typing skills

• Proactive and collegiate approach to work

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication

• Fluency in French and English essential; German language skills desirable

• Superior client service skills

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize

• Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail