The Department of Prints and Drawings at the Art Institute of Chicago seeks a highly qualified specialist, with a record of exhibitions and publications in the field of early modern works on paper. The ideal candidate for the Prince Trust Assistant or Associate Curator of Prints and Drawings has the capacity to move easily across a wide chronological (15th through 17th centuries) and geographic range and be ideally conversant in all graphic media. The candidate will accomplish this through exhibitions and publications; documented research of collections; engagement with local and international scholarly communities; and acquisitions by purchase and gift. Serves as primary specialist for internationally recognized collection of early modern works on paper. In this capacity, performs ambassadorial function for the Department of Prints and Drawings and for the Art Institute in representing the institution locally, domestically, and internationally— communicating in oral and written form with scholars, curators, dealers, collectors, donors, and members of general public.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- In conjunction with curators, takes primary responsibility for early modern prints and drawings (15th through 17th centuries). Documents these collections, assesses their strengths and weaknesses, keeps abreast of the market and current scholarship, works with dealers, recommends and researches new acquisitions.

- Proposes, organizes, and implements permanent-collection based exhibitions in the Jean and Steven Goldman Prints and Drawings Galleries as well as Allerton Gallery rotations. Also expected to organize major loan exhibitions.

- Researches and writes justifications on new acquisitions and gifts for the Prints and Drawings Advisory Committee. Makes presentations at Committee Meetings.

- Contributes to general supervision of interns, volunteers, and special projects research assistants (when applicable) in areas of specialization.

- Contributes to general operation of Prints and Drawings Associates, offering special programs for Associates membership in area of expertise.

- Researches and writes on the permanent collection in area of specialty for museum and scholarly publications.

- Lectures to classes and museum groups and otherwise participates in relevant conferences and symposia, maintaining up-to-date knowledge within area of specialization and more generally related to works on paper, printmaking techniques, and relevant conservation standards.

- In conjunction with other curators, works closely with donors on research and documentation of their collections and advises on acquisitions, as appropriate.

- Answers research correspondence and telephone inquiries from scholars, curators, dealers, collectors, museum members, the general public, and other museum departments.

- Takes primary responsibility for accurate and up-to-date cataloguing of new acquisitions and permanent collection in areas of specialty.

- Takes primary responsibility for certain individual collections within the permanent collection.

- Travels in the U.S. and abroad to perform art historical research, attend and/or participate in scholarly conferences, visit dealers, attend art fairs, and occasionally act as courier for works from the permanent collection.



Qualifications

Ph.D. in Art History preferred. A record of scholarly publications in the field of early modern works on paper.
Minimum of 4 years of museum (or related) experience preferred.
Experience handling prints and drawings. In-depth knowledge of printmaking and drawing techniques. Proficiency in two European languages preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Up-to-date knowledge and active participation in academic discourse in area of specialty.
**When applying, please submit letter of interest, writing sample, curriculum vitae and 3 references in one PDF (system only allows for one attachment)**