Associate Specialist, African & Oceanic Art, Europe at Sotheby’s

Associate Specialist, African & Oceanic Art, Europe at Sotheby’s

Application deadline: Not specified
Location: Paris, France
Position type: Not specified
Salary: Not specified
Department: African & Oceanic Art
Languages required: Fluency in French and English

The Role

Sotheby’s is seeking an Associate Specialist in African and Oceanic Art to join its European team in Paris.

The successful candidate will lead research and cataloguing for Paris-based auctions featuring art from Africa, Oceania and the Americas. They will ensure that catalogue information demonstrates accuracy, scholarly depth and consistency with Sotheby’s standards.

The position also involves managing the operational delivery of auctions, including catalogue production, photography coordination, property handling, exhibitions and sale processing.

Working collaboratively with the European Head of Department and the wider international team, the Associate Specialist will support client relations, business development and departmental activities throughout the year.

Research and Cataloguing

The Associate Specialist will:

• Assist with evaluating potential consignments in collaboration with the Head of Department and international specialists
• Catalogue works consigned for auctions and private sales
• Conduct detailed research into authenticity, condition, quality and provenance
• Assess objects for relevant compliance considerations
• Write catalogue essays in French and English
• Maintain Sotheby’s scholarly and editorial standards
• Deliver catalogue copy according to production deadlines
• Support the preparation of valuation documents
• Ensure consistency and accuracy across research and cataloguing materials

Catalogue Production

Responsibilities will include:

• Managing the operational production of auction catalogues
• Coordinating object photography
• Overseeing image editing, colour correction and layout
• Working with the catalogue production team and other support departments
• Maintaining agreed production schedules and deadlines
• Supporting the preparation of private sale presentations
• Producing fact sheets, price comparisons and market analyses
• Assisting with proposals and presentations for business development purposes

Client Services

The Associate Specialist will serve as an initial point of contact for general client enquiries.

They will:

• Respond to clients by email, telephone and in person
• Provide clear, accurate and timely responses to valuation and estimate requests
• Address business enquiries and individual client requirements
• Coordinate operational processes relating to accounting, shipping and logistics
• Deliver a consistently high standard of client service
• Represent the African & Oceanic Art department and Sotheby’s with professionalism, knowledge and confidence

Auctions and Exhibitions

The role will involve:

• Planning, organising and producing physical pre-sale exhibitions
• Maintaining high standards across exhibition presentation
• Coordinating private client viewings
• Ensuring artworks are installed and presented appropriately
• Supporting the production of promotional materials
• Assisting with in-person events and marketing campaigns
• Collaborating with Sotheby’s marketing and other relevant departments

Artworks and Logistics

The Associate Specialist will:

• Coordinate relationships with external suppliers, including base makers and conservators
• Manage the movement of artworks to and from external vendors
• Coordinate the physical movement of property before and after sales
• Occasionally hand-carry objects to or from clients
• Support the operational processing of auction and private sale property
• Maintain the department’s library and archives
• Ensure that specialists have access to appropriate research and reference resources

Business Development

The successful candidate will support the development of trusted, long-term client relationships.

Responsibilities will include:

• Cultivating relationships on behalf of senior colleagues and independently
• Accompanying senior specialists on client visits, appraisals and meetings
• Attending art market gatherings and professional events
• Representing Sotheby’s at social events outside standard working hours
• Helping maintain the department’s profile and reputation within the market
• Identifying opportunities to support future consignments and sales

Ethics and Professional Standards

The Associate Specialist must operate in accordance with Sotheby’s compliance policies, corporate governance requirements and ethical standards.

They will be expected to demonstrate professionalism and integrity across research, cataloguing, client interactions, sales and the handling of cultural objects.

Experience and Knowledge

Applicants should have:

• A strong interest in African and Oceanic art and the wider art world
• Relevant specialist knowledge and awareness of the art market
• Previous experience within a relevant market or professional setting
• Demonstrable research skills
• Strong organisational abilities
• Excellent attention to detail
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• A strong commitment to client service
• Fluency in spoken and written French and English
• Excellent digital and computer skills
• The ability to work with online research systems and resources
• A willingness to learn new internal and external digital tools, including artificial intelligence systems

Knowledge of academic archives and specialist reference sources is considered an advantage. Additional language skills are also desirable.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be:

• Passionate about African and Oceanic art
• Curious and committed to developing their specialist knowledge
• Collaborative and comfortable working within departmental and company-wide structures
• Receptive to education and professional mentorship
• Ambitious about developing a long-term career in the field
• Confident working independently and as part of an international team
• Highly organised and attentive to detail
• Able to maintain professionalism in demanding and time-sensitive situations

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s provides access to art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail.

Its specialists work across 70 collecting categories and 40 countries. These categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, jewellery, watches, wine, spirits and design.

Sotheby’s also operates in collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s Concierge. Its Financial Services division provides lending and other capital solutions for collectors internationally.

 

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