Benedict Carter

Benedict Carter is a prominent figure in the world of Islamic and Indian art auctions, serving as the Senior Director and Head of Department for Islamic & Indian Art at Sotheby's. With a career spanning over a decade at the renowned auction house, Carter has established himself as an expert in his field.

Career at Sotheby's

Carter joined Sotheby's Middle East Department in 2008 and quickly rose through the ranks.3 In 2013, he became the Head of Auction Sales, demonstrating his expertise and leadership in the field.3 His primary responsibility involves sourcing and selling valuable artworks and artifacts from the Islamic world and India.3

Expertise and Achievements

Carter's knowledge extends beyond the auction room. He has traveled extensively throughout North Africa and the Middle East, enhancing his understanding of the region's art and culture.4 To further his expertise, he pursued Arabic studies at the Universities of Jordan and Alexandria.4

Under Carter's leadership, Sotheby's has achieved significant milestones in Islamic art auctions. In November 2022, the department set a new auction record of £8.1 million for an Islamic work on paper.5 More recently, in October 2024, Carter oversaw the sale of a bronze buck from the Umayyad era, which fetched £4.2 million ($5.4 million), surpassing its initial estimate.2

Role and Responsibilities

As the Head of Department, Carter plays a crucial role in curating and managing Sotheby's Islamic art auctions. He is involved in the valuation, authentication, and presentation of rare and valuable artifacts from the Islamic world and India. His expertise is particularly valuable in identifying and contextualizing important pieces, such as the eighth-century bronze buck with rare Arabic Kufic inscriptions.2

Benedict Carter's contributions have been instrumental in maintaining Sotheby's position as a leader in the Islamic and Indian art market, continuing the auction house's long-standing tradition in this field that dates back to 1755.1