Temporary Cataloguer, Impressionist & Modern Art

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  

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. 

 

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  

 

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES  

• 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  

• Foreign languages, especially French or German, a plus  

• Fluency with Microsoft Office suite and Adobe PDF editor  

• Knowledge of Sotheby’s systems and software a plus  
• This is an in person position 

 

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $25 - $26/hr. 

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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.