Long thought to be the work of John Janvier, Sr. (1749-1801) based on a chalk inscription, this chest is likely the work of his son and namesake because of a second, faint pencil inscription. It records payment received along with a date in 1806, five years after John, Sr., died. John Janvier Jr. would have had no reason to use “Junior” in his name after his father’s death. Other, clearly documented pieces of furniture establish that Janvier, Sr.’s son, his nephew Thomas, and others of that generation who worked in his shop made furniture in his specific manner.
Janvier Chest of Drawers
Dimensions
33.63 in. x 40.5 in. x 22 in.
Material
Mahogany; cherry (drawer fronts), tulip poplar (drawer sides, full dustboards), white cedar (drawer bottoms), and hard pine (drawer dividers, minor structural parts)
Condition Notes
Large chips in molding at top on right side. Brasses are not original to the chest.