Organizer Information
Established in 1744, Sotheby's promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales, and retail. Its expertise spans 70 selling categories, supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries, with categories including 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 through RM Sotheby's and Concierge. Sotheby's Financial Services is a leading art lender providing capital solutions for collectors worldwide, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby's new global headquarters is located at the Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.
Title & Description
Associate Specialist, African & Oceanic Art, Europe
Sotheby's is seeking an Associate Specialist to lead research and cataloguing for all Paris-based sales encompassing Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, ensuring accuracy, scholarly depth, and consistency with Sotheby's standards. The role carries responsibility for the operational execution of auctions, including cataloguing, photography coordination, and sale processing, working collaboratively to support the European Head of Department and the global department throughout the year. The department is looking for a candidate with a genuine passion for the art and objects, a strong team orientation, the highest ethical standards, and the ability to serve as an ambassador for Sotheby's reputation in Paris and internationally.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Full-time (implied by scope; not explicitly stated in the source)
- Salary: Not specified in the source
- Reports To: European Head of Department, African & Oceanic Art
- Department / Programme: African & Oceanic Art, Europe
Position & Tasks
- Specialist Duties
- Assist with evaluation of potential consignments in cooperation with the Head of Department and international team
- Catalogue consigned items for auction and private sales, including in-depth research on authenticity, condition, quality, provenance, and compliance
- Compose catalogue essays in French and English to the highest standard, maintaining scheduled copy deadlines
- Manage operational aspects of catalogue production, including photography, image editing, color-correction, and layout, in coordination with the catalogue production department
- Assist with production of valuation documents, maintaining quality and consistency
- Assist with production of proposals and presentations for business development, including private sale presentations, fact-sheets, price comparisons, and market analysis
- Client Service
- Address day-to-day client enquiries by email, telephone, and in person, serving as first point of contact for general enquiries
- Maintain professionalism as a confident, knowledgeable ambassador for the department and Sotheby's
- Provide comprehensive client service, responding to estimate requests, business enquiries, and client requirements, including coordination of accounting, shipping, and other logistics
- Internal Operational Duties
- Plan, organize, and produce physical pre-sale exhibitions to the highest standard
- Coordinate in-person client viewings of artwork
- Assist in coordinating promotional materials, in-person events, and marketing campaigns
- Coordinate with third-party vendors, including base-makers and conservators, and manage movement of property to and from vendors
- Coordinate physical movement of property, including occasional hand-carry of items to and from clients before and after sales
- Maintain the department library and archives for senior specialists' reference and research
- Business Development
- Assist in developing and nurturing client relationships, on behalf of senior colleagues and independently
- Accompany senior colleagues on in-person client visits for appraisals and other meetings
- Attend market gatherings and social events, including after business hours, as a representative of the department and Sotheby's
- Ethics
- Operate in accordance with Sotheby's compliance policies, corporate governance rules, and ethical standards at all times
Categories
- Visual Arts
- African Art
- Oceanic Art
- Auction House / Art Market
- Cataloguing & Research
- Client Relations
Eligibility
- Passionate interest in African and Oceanic Art and the art world in general, with some degree of expert knowledge combined with market awareness
- Knowledge of academic archives and reference sources considered an advantage
- Collaborative team player, able to work within departmental and company-wide structures, respecting hierarchies and open to mentorship
- Ambition and willingness to develop a long-term career in the field
- Relevant market experience
- Demonstrable research skills, thorough organizational ability, curiosity, attention to detail, and a strong desire to learn
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and oral, with a commitment to exemplary client service
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Strong technical skills, including excellent computer literacy and fluency with online systems and resources, and the ability to learn new digital tools, including artificial intelligence
- Fluent in spoken and written French and English; other language skills a plus
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Location
Paris, France
Additional Details
- The role occasionally requires hand-carrying items to and from clients before and after sales
- Attendance at market gatherings and social events, including after business hours, is part of the role