Art Appraisal Specialist

Salary: Competitive

About Bonhams

Bonhams Skinner, a prominent auction house located in Massachusetts, conducts around 100 auctions annually across 20 diverse collecting categories, including Americana, Fine Art, Collectibles, and Wine, showcasing everything from exquisite wines to contemporary artworks.

Role Summary

The primary responsibility of an Art Appraisal Specialist at Bonhams Skinner is to cultivate new business avenues to broaden our market reach. This role involves generating consignments, appraising, researching, authenticating, and cataloging artworks for auction. Additionally, the Specialist plays a key role in promoting upcoming auctions to potential bidders.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing business strategies to enhance departmental growth.
• Negotiating and securing consignments.
• Delivering auction evaluations and preparing formal appraisals.
• Conducting research, authentication, and cataloging of artworks for auction.
• Engaging with consignors and buyers throughout the auction process.
• Collaborating with various departments, including Warehouse, Photography, and Marketing, to effectively present Fine Art auctions to a wide audience.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of European Art from the Old Masters to the 20th century, alongside a comprehensive understanding of Western art across different cultures and eras.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience, with a Master’s degree in art history or equivalent market experience focused on the appraisal, research, and marketing of fine art.
• Self-driven with the capability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and creativity in a dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, complemented by a good sense of humor.
• Reading proficiency in French, German, and/or Italian is advantageous. USPAP certification is also a plus.

Benefits Offered

Bonhams provides a dynamic and progressive work environment along with a competitive benefits package to promote work/life balance, which includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• 20 days of paid time off (PTO).
• 12 paid holidays and a holiday break from Christmas to New Year’s Day.
• 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions.
• Life insurance with AD&D coverage.
• Short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Paid mobile phone and data services.
• Tuition reimbursement programs.
• Commuter benefits for transit and parking.
• Employee assistance programs (EAP).
• Opportunities for professional development, including free online training and access to an extensive content library.
• An onboarding buddy program for new hires.
• Employee resource groups, including a social club and diversity committee.
• Sponsored social events, such as annual staff art exhibitions and seasonal parties.

Bonhams is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and strive to ensure a fair and consistent interview process.