Associate Cataloguer, Modern Day and Discoveries Auctions

Job Description

• Conducting research for each work in our sale and keeping diligent records of provenance, exhibition history and literature references
• Assisting with physical cataloguing and arranging photography of works
• Researching and writing catalogue notes for a large variety of works of different genres, periods, media, and price points
• Working within our digital catalogue design platform, to produce and design lot pages for our online sales catalogues
• Liaising with external vendors such as conservators and framers, and external authenticating bodies to prepare works for sale
• Liaising with other departments which contribute to the Modern Day sale, such as Contemporary Art, American Art and Latin American art
• Liaising with internal support staff including administrators, registrars, art handlers, catalogue production, press, and marketing in assisting with the planning and execution of all logistical aspects of the day sale
• Learning to evaluate works of art by assisting with research prior to estimate sessions
• During the exhibition and sale weeks, an associate cataloguer is expected to be an available resource for both New York-based and international colleagues, as well as a knowledgeable source of information on all aspects of the works in our sale
• Assisting with proposals, both formal and in-house, in the months between sale seasons
• Assisting with ad-hoc artist research projects and proactive sourcing initiatives
• Support the larger department by answering the phones and handling mainline requests
• Providing a comprehensive level of service to Sotheby’s clients.  This includes responding to day-to-day client queries and maintaining client contact

• A minimum of 1-2 years of work experience
• A background in Art History, with experience researching and writing on works of art. A demonstrated interest in Modern and Contemporary Art is preferred and encouraged
• Highly organized, detail-oriented
• Ability to prioritize multiple highly important processes and responsibilities in a high-pressured environment and meet constant deadlines
• Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to establish close working relationships with a variety of people across the department and company
• Ability to work collaboratively on large projects while being confident and comfortable taking initiative and working on one’s own
• Excellent client service
• Excellent team player
• Proficient computer skills and ideally a strong knowledge of Sotheby’s systems, including CAT, the Client System, the Employee Portal, Webnative, Excel, Word, photo editing and storage
• Excellent verbal and writing skills
• Requires flexibility in work hours and availability to work late nights and full weekends during catalogue deadline and pre-sale exhibition
• Available for in-person work
• Working knowledge of French language

• A discretionary bonus
• A competitive benefits package