Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments or in our more Operational focused teams we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing constant innovation whilst not forgetting our age old values; Passionate Expertise, Exceptional Client Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Business Judgement & Innovation.

The Role

The Cataloguer position contributes to the production of all auction catalogues for the New York sales as well as private sales. Responsibilities include processing the consigned works of art for sale, including research and catalogue entry writing and proofing; coordination of photography, and varying duties as dictated by department.

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 auction and private sales using methods listed above in complete and proofed Christie’s format
Write and prepare catalogue essays
Coordinate production of all dedicated catalogues
Assist business-getters in preparing documents for potential consignments (e.g. proposals)
Flag any authenticity and restitution concerns and condition issues in timely manner to appropriate specialist and expertise coordinator
Undertake research in support of insurance appraisal documents
Proof all cataloguing with specialists before submitting final proof to Catalogue Production
Prepare property for hilling sessions (meetings to determine value, condition and marketability of property); and amend catalogue sheets after hilling sessions
Prepare condition reports in the system and forward to clients upon request
Assist clients in galleries during pre-sale exhibition and sale week
Maintain department library and research materials
Assist with catalogue production where needed
Coordinate photography, color checking, framing, matting, and restoration
Track sale cost expenditures and coordinate with the sale coordinator to ensure execution of payment to vendors
Ensure accuracy of lot cards (production and placement in pre-sale exhibition)
Maintain sale images in media library and in JDE (monitor progress, liaise with photo studio on missing images, deadline constraints)
Responsible for client correspondence, including auction estimate requests, general enquiries, sale proposals and post-sale communication to clients
Greet/visit clients on-site and off-site to support appraisal, consignment and sale efforts
Participate in Telephone Bidding with clients during the auction
Other duties as assigned by Manager

The Candidate

Bachelor’s degree in the fine or decorative art category preferred, or equivalent work experience. Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum 2 years paid experience in the Arts
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
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication
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