Chest of Drawers

John Macdonough (1789–?)

Cantwell’s Bridge (Odessa), Delaware, 1807

Mahogany, mahogany veneer, tulip poplar, Atlantic white cedar

Gift of Sewell C. Biggs; 1992.82

This chest of drawers bears the signature, “Made by John Macdonough Cantwell’s Bridge/1807”. The chest has several similarities with signed examples by John Janvier (1777–1850). These details include a top that overhangs the backboard by more than an inch, full tulip-poplar dust boards, and drawer construction. It is very likely that Macdonough apprenticed with Janvier during this chest’s construction.