Assistant Curator of Provenance, European Art

Institution: Art Gallery of Ontario
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Contract: Temporary Full-Time, 2 years (Sept 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2027)
Hours: 35 hours/week
Salary: CAD $42.82 – $53.51 per hour

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), one of North America’s largest museums, is seeking an Assistant Curator of Provenance, European Art for a two-year, temporary full-time position (35 hours per week). The role focuses on provenance research, ethical acquisitions, and restitution matters, working closely with curators, registrars, donors, dealers, and international experts.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth provenance research on European art in the AGO collection and proposed acquisitions.
• Collaborate with donors, dealers, legal advisors, and international partners to resolve ownership disputes.
• Advise committees on ethical accessioning and de-accessioning decisions.
• Maintain thorough provenance records and present findings to AGO committees.
• Support external scholars and advance institutional provenance research practices.
• Stay current with Holocaust looted art, stolen art resources, and restitution policies.

Candidate Profile

• MA in Art History (PhD preferred), with expertise in European sculpture and decorative arts.
• Specialized training and at least 3 years’ prior experience in provenance research.
• Proficiency in English and German, plus another European language (e.g., Italian, Dutch, French).
• Strong knowledge of Holocaust claims, restitution policies, databases, and archives.
• Exceptional organizational skills, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive information.