Cataloger - Fine and Decorative Arts

The Fine & Decorative Arts Department seeks a full-time Fine Art Cataloger with strong research and writing skills and a broad interest in the visual arts. The position will primarily support Modern, Contemporary, and/or Street Art auctions while also assisting with other Fine Art categories as departmental needs require.

Heritage Auctions, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is the largest auction house founded in the United States, with offices in New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, London, Hong Kong, and other cities. Heritage serves more than 40 auction categories, including Coins, Sports, Comics, Historical, Jewelry, Fine & Decorative Art, Wine, and many more.

LOCATION:  South of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, NW corner of W. Airport Freeway (Hwy. 183) and Valley View Lane 

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 401k savings plans
• Onsite gym with access to a personal trainer

COMPENSATION: Commensurate based on experience.

SUMMARY: The Fine Art Cataloger is responsible for researching property and composing accurate, engaging catalog entries in collaboration with Specialists. The position will primarily support Modern, Contemporary, and/or Street Art auctions but may assist with American, European, Photography, and other Fine Art categories according to departmental needs and auction schedules. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research, identify, and accurately describe property for auction catalog entries
• Verify artist, title, medium, dimensions, provenance, exhibition history, literature, and other relevant catalog information
• Write condition reports and respond to client condition inquiries
• Collaborate with Specialists, photographers, and other departments to ensure lots are accurately and completely represented
• Write select catalog essays, artist biographies, and other editorial content
• Conduct authentication and attribution research under the direction of Specialists
• Proofread catalog entries, essays, and other auction materials
• Assist with property intake, exhibition setup, previews, and auctions as needed
• Manage multiple auction assignments and meet established cataloging and production deadlines
• Provide cataloging support across Fine Art categories as departmental needs require
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Fine Art, Museum Studies, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered
• Master's degree preferred, but not required
• Academic or professional experience in Modern, Contemporary, or Urban Art preferred
• Auction house, gallery, museum, collection-management, or comparable object-based research experience preferred
• Familiarity with cataloging standards, provenance research, and art-market resources is desirable

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

•  Excellent research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Strong visual-analysis skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to interpret artist signatures, inscriptions, labels, and other identifying information
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet firm auction deadlines
• Sound judgment regarding when additional research or Specialist review is required
• Strong communication and client-service skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; ability to learn proprietary cataloging and auction-management systems
• Willingness and ability to work across a range of Fine Art categories
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and safely handle artwork

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Individuals must be able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Some evening and weekend hours are required. 

Heritage Auctions welcomes and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, mature workers, and persons with disabilities. EOE