Senior Specialist, Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art, New York

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge.

Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City. THE ROLE The Specialist, Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art, plays an integral role in sourcing, cataloguing, and selling works across Sotheby’s London and New York Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art sales, inclusive of live auctions, online auctions, and private sales.

The role combines deep subject-matter expertise, rigorous scholarship, and strong client-facing skills with proactive business development and operational excellence. The Specialist will work closely with colleagues across EMEA, US and globally to cultivate consignments, steward clients, and contribute to the strategic growth and visibility of the Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art category, becoming an active member of Sotheby’s global specialist community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Proactively identify, source, and secure works forModern and Contemporary South Asian Art sales, developing coherent and dynamic business-getting strategies in partnership with colleagues across London, EMEA, and global teams. Cultivate and maintain relationships with collectors, advisors, institutions, fiduciaries, and key market stakeholders, ensuring exceptional client service and loyalty. Participate in valuation projects and proposal development, evaluating property at Sotheby’s and at client locations, including international travel as appropriate.

Help drive private-sale opportunities alongside auction consignments, identifying key selling points and supporting targeted, proactive outreach. Meet individual consignment and revenue goals, contributing meaningfully to annual sales, private-sale targets, and departmental strategic objectives. Provide high-level expertise in Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art, ensuring the highest scholarly standards in cataloguing, research, and contextualization of works.

Oversee or contribute to the cataloguing process, including research, catalogue entries, essays, provenance work, condition reporting, and catalog production and layout. Partner with internal and external scholars to strengthen expertise and accuracy; uphold rigorous research and editorial standards that align with Sotheby’s global criteria. Support full sale execution, including exhibition oversight, pre-sale client walkthroughs, client communication, and competitive bidding support during live auctions.

Help track client interest, communicate activity to the wider specialist team, and actively “sell the sale” during exhibition and preview periods. Ensure proactive and accurate management of consignment-related costs, including terms, deal margins, marketing, logistics, loans, and other financial elements. Liaise with Photography, Marketing, Press, Proposals, Registrations, and Operations to ensure seamless sale preparation from intake through settlement.

Maintain departmental archives, research materials, and library resources, ensuring their continued accuracy, accessibility, and strategic use. Support the Heads of Department with coordination of departmental priorities, internal communication, and implementation of new initiatives.