The Metropolitan Museum of Art seeks an Assistant Curator of Northern European Drawings, Prints, and Illustrated Books in the Department of Drawings and Prints, reporting to the Curator-in-Charge of Drawings and Prints. The Assistant Curator will need to be a specialist in drawings and prints with the connoisseurship and research skills that will allow them to meaningfully engage with scholars, students, and collectors. As part of the curatorial team in the Department of Drawings and Prints, the Assistant Curator will be responsible for contributing to all curatorial duties, including: researching, studying, interpreting, and publishing works in the collection under his/her curatorial responsibility; planning and executing exhibitions and programs; and building the collection.
The candidate will be in charge of the department’s collection of Northern European (German, Dutch, and Flemish) drawings, prints, and illustrated books from the 15th through the 19th centuries. The Assistant Curator will participate in gallery installations, writing labels and online features, and database management; respond to public inquiries and assist scholars; help in the organization of loans; contribute to the Museum’s public education programs; research the permanent collections and identify and recommend acquisitions for purchase; and actively engage with supporters and colleagues both nationally and internationally, in addition to other related duties. The Assistant Curator will contribute to general and scholarly departmental publications, in both electronic and print form.
Successful candidates will have genuine interest in making the Department’s collections accessible to the layman as well as the specialist, thus a strong facility in written and oral communication, as well as the ability to maintain precise and careful records and excellent computer skills. Demonstrated experience in accomplishing original research on drawings and prints is required. The Assistant Curator must also have the ability to work closely with all staff within the Department and with colleagues throughout the Museum as well as donors and collectors and the academic community, in addition to proven lecturing and writing capabilities. A Ph.D. in art history is required in addition to excellent language skills.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
- Care for the permanent collection of Northern European drawings, prints, and illustrated books
- Review and update object records in the Museum database (TMS).
- Propose and organize special exhibitions, gallery rotations, and accompanying publications in collaboration with curatorial colleagues.
- Consult with the Museum’s conservators on the care of the collection and documentation of the condition of works.
- Recommend acquisitions for purchase.
- Foster and maintain excellent working relationships with donors, patrons, collectors, dealers, colleagues from other international institutions, and the scholarly community.
- Conduct specialized research, catalogue, and publish on the collection.
- Participate in the Friends of Drawings and Prints programs and two annual Visiting Committee meetings.
- Answer correspondence related the Collection; assist the public and visiting scholars.
- Contribute to the teaching mission of the Museum through public lectures and mentorship of interns and fellows.
- Other related duties.
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience and Skills:
- Experience in a museum, academic institution, or equivalent, required
- Demonstrated scholarly achievement, including evidence of original research and writing ability
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with colleagues across the museum andexternally with artists, academics, scholars, donors, and the general public
- Expert knowledge of German, Dutch, and Flemish art
- Ability to maintain precise and careful records
- Excellent computer skills
Knowledge and Education:
- PhD or ABD preferred
- Knowledge of German or Dutch preferred
Full position description is available here: Assistant Curator. Drawings and Prints. July 2021
To apply, please send cover letter and cv to careers@metmuseum.org with Drawings and Prints in the subject line. You can also apply through the Met’s LinkedIn page.