Provenance Research Graduate Intern
The study of provenance is a traditional part of art historical research, as an object’s chain of ownership can inform a scholarly understanding of the work of art itself: its function, condition, and its place in the history of taste and collecting. The Museum believes that the interests of the public are served by collecting the artistic achievements of all civilizations according to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice, in accordance with all applicable law, and in such a way that provides no direct and material incentive to looting or theft.
To that end, the Senior Curator for Provenance seeks a research intern who desires a deeper familiarity with the history of ownership of works of art. Working under the Senior Curator and the Research Associate for Provenance, the research intern will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about museum work, provenance research, and digital resources. Interns will refine their research skills but are expected to be familiar with art historical research tools and methods before beginning. The successful candidate will be mature, detail-oriented, adept with technology and administrative tasks, and will have a demonstrated interest in art museum work.
This is a two-semester long position. Intern must be able to commit to 10-14 hours per week, between 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday, from January 23 through August 18, (including 2 hours on Fridays attending the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.)
As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution, ensuring that diversity, equity, and access are lived values, we actively encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the program.
Responsibilities:
- Compiling and entering data related to works of art in the museum collection, particularly European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and Judaica;
- Compiling and entering data related to previous owners of works of art in the museum collection;
- Using digital resources to augment provenance records and hard-copy curatorial files;
- Researching, formatting, and fact-checking provenance information for hard-copy files, the MFA collections database, and online records;
- Assisting with daily tasks as needed
Qualifications:
- Enrollment in or recent completion, (within last six months), of a graduate program in art history. Advanced undergraduates will also be considered.
- Curatorial work experience in an art museum or gallery (paid or volunteer), with familiarity using collections management software.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Reading knowledge of at least one European language, (German and/or French preferred).
- Demonstrated awareness of art historical research methods.
- Ability to commit to a regular schedule of at least one seven-hour day per week; candidates able to work at least two semesters will be preferred.
- Ability to work onsite 10-14 hours per week (between 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings), between January 23 and August 18--including up to 2 hours per week on Fridays attending the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course
- Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Jan 20, 2023
- To apply, you must upload a single document (Word or PDF), containing your cover letter and resume, via the ADP portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP, but no later than Fri, Dec 2, 2022
Intern will be paid at a rate of $19.00 per hour.