Cataloguer, Old Master Paintings London, England
Job description
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby's is the world's premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby's promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
THE ROLE
This individual will catalogue and research the Old Master and British Paintings mid-season and Day sales and to support 19th Century Paintings with their cataloguing and research needs.
RESPONSIBLITIES
- Cataloguing and researching items for the Old Master sales, encompassing European paintings from the late 13th to early 19th centuries:
- Assisting senior members of the department with the research and cataloguing of objects to the highest standard according to scheduled deadlines
- Corresponding with external experts
- Assisting with condition reports
- Assisting the Specialists in 19th Century Paintings with the research and cataloguing of objects to the highest standard according to scheduled deadlines
- Involvement in aspects of digital catalogue production, including:
- Assisting with lot order and layouts
- Liaising with Sale Manager, Catalogue Production and other support departments (e.g. over colour-checking images)
- Dealing with day-to-day client enquiries at the counter, through the online enquiry portal, by email and on the telephone
- Responding to estimate enquiries, general correspondence and photo requests
- Assisting with the maintenance of the OMP and 19th Century Paintings libraries and archive systems
- Assisting the Senior Experts with the research of paintings for valuations, proposals and other purposes
- Operating at all times in accordance with the company's rules on compliance and corporate Governance.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Education to degree level in History of Art (BA or MA), ideally with some knowledge and experience of Old Master Paintings as well as 19th Century Paintings; a specialism in British paintings would be advantageous
- Excellent research skills
- The ability to summarise research and communicate well in writing
- The ability to work effectively individually and in a team and to 'pitch in' when required
- An eye for detail and a methodical approach
- Ability to work well under pressure and a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service
- Self-motivated with enthusiasm to learn
- A flexible and pro-active approach to work
- Knowledge of at least one other European language would be an advantage
- Strong organisational skills with proven ability of meeting deadlines
- Some understanding of Sotheby's and its culture and services, and of the auction process in general
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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.
