Janvier Chest of Drawers

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.