Armoire

Haitian-born Dutreuil Barjon relocated with his mother to New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1809, joining a large community of recently immigrated Haitians following the Haitian Revolution. Shortly after his arrival, he apprenticed with cabinetmaker Jean Rousseau, a Haitian free person of color, for three years. In Rousseau’s shop, Barjon learned how to create furniture that appealed to the elite of New Orleans, including oversized furniture designed to fill plantation homes. In 1821, Barjon established his own cabinetmaking shop at 245 Royal Street, known as Furniture Row, where he produced fine furniture and also imported furniture from Europe. Barjon hired apprentices from Haiti, furthering connections to his identity and homeland. In 1834, Barjon advertised that he had articles of furniture for sale that were “made in this city,” furthering his connection to the city of New Orleans. Barjon’s business prospered and in later years he retired to Paris, leaving his shop under the leadership of his son, Dutreuil Barjon, Jr.