Provenance Research Specialist at Worcester Art Museum
Job Title: Provenance Research Specialist
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Worcester, MA
Salary: $55,000 – $63,000
Job Overview:
To research and document the provenance of objects in the collection of the Worcester Art Museum (roughly 40,000 objects), prioritizing the Museum’s significant holdings of antiquities (about 1800 objects), and generate detailed histories of ownership for the Museum’s files and website.
The Worcester Art Museum is committed to ethical collecting and seeks a scholar with expertise in provenance research, particularly in the 20th-century antiquities market, to conduct in-depth research on its ancient and archaeological collections. The successful applicant will consult the Museum’s object files and museum archives, as well as relevant databases and other resources, and correspond with external constituents. The provenance research specialist will work with the Director of Curatorial Affairs and other curators when appropriate, to evaluate potential purchases and gifts; respond to inquiries; and investigate ownership claims.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Review the artworks prioritized for provenance research in the Worcester Art Museum collection.
- Conduct research to expand knowledge of history of ownership for objects in the collection.
- Generate thorough documentation of objects’ histories of ownership.
- Advise the curatorial staff on acquisitions in relation to provenance.
- Work with the Director of Curatorial and collaborate across the organization as necessary (archives, library, registration, curatorial, conservation)
- Present on provenance research internally and represent the museum publicly.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
Qualifications:
- A broad knowledge of art history with expertise in the ancient/classical world.
- Excellent research, written, and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate respectfully and effectively with colleagues.
- Experience with museum databases and technology.
- Excellent negotiation, resource management, and people skills.
- Availability to represent the Museum at public events at after-hours events.
- Availability to travel.
- Embraces and promotes diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion initiatives.
EDUCATION:
- Advanced degree (MA, minimum) in art history with in-depth knowledge of the art of the ancient world/classics or related field and proven experience in the field of provenance research
- Reading knowledge in French and German
- Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of the 20th century antiquities market.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum 3 years’ experience working in the field of provenance research.