ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include 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 and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.
THE ROLE
The Researcher will be a key member of the Old Master Paintings department in London, providing critical support across valuations, business development, and cataloguing initiatives. A significant aspect of the role will involve undertaking a wide range of research projects the department and particularly for the Head of British Paintings, delivering rigorous and insightful analysis to support specialist decision-making and client-facing activities. The position will play an integral role in the department's strategic efforts and business-getting initiatives. The successful candidate will be responsible for producing high-calibre research upon which specialists and senior leadership will rely, often under tight deadlines. This role requires an exceptionally organized and detail-oriented individual who can manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and consistently deliver accurate, thorough work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. The role is based in London and requires regular on-site presence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct and deliver high-quality research in support of valuations, proposals, cataloguing projects, and other departmental initiatives.
- Support senior specialists in research, appraisals, and business-getting activities, with particular responsibility for aiding the Head of British Paintings.
- Work with the Head of British Paintings to ensure all valuations and research projects are completed thoroughly and in a timely manner.
- Prepare comprehensive research for works to review and present in weekly meetings with senior members of the department.
- Update research in the various internal database, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and completeness of records.
- Maintain an organised and easily accessible research file for every project.
- Identify and consolidate research data from a wide range of archival, institutional, and published sources.
- Assist the cataloguing team with condition reports ahead of each sale.
- Operate in full accordance with company policies, compliance requirements, and corporate governance standards.
- Maintain the highest standards of professionalism at all times.
Skills, Experience & Competencies
- Demonstrable specialist knowledge of Old Master Paintings.
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification required.
- Proven ability to conduct rigorous research using archives, libraries, catalogues raisonnés, databases, and other reference sources.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Commitment to delivering outstanding client service.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team.
- Flexible, adaptable, and receptive to change.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across departments and international teams.
- Additional language skills would be advantageous.
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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.
Skills Required
- Demonstrable specialist knowledge of Old Master Paintings
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification
- Proven ability to conduct rigorous research using archives, libraries, catalogues raisonnés, and databases
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Commitment to delivering outstanding client service
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team
- Flexible, adaptable, and receptive to change
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across departments and international teams
- Ability to prepare or assist with condition reports and cataloguing ahead of sales
- Maintain organised and accessible research files and update internal databases accurately
- Additional language skills
- Regular on-site presence in London
Sotheby's Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Sotheby's and has not been reviewed or approved by Sotheby's.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as broad, spanning medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, and company-paid life insurance. Mental health benefits and disability coverage are also included as part of the package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) plan with company matching. Additional financial supports such as flexible spending accounts and an employee stock purchase plan are also referenced.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off policies are characterized as generous, including paid time off, paid holidays, and sick days. Paid parental leave and family-related supports are also included in the overall offering.
Sotheby's Insights
What We Do
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and 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.
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