Irish Giant Collection

Illustration of Joseph Boruwalski and giant Patrick Cotter O'Brien 1805
5311566 Illustration of Joseph Boruwalski and giant Patrick Cotter O'Brien 1805. Patrick O'Brien (1760-1806), born Patrick Cotter in Kinsale, Ireland in 1760

Charles Byrne, aka O Brien the Irish Giant, the tallest man in the known world being nearly nine feet tall (engraving)
585787 Charles Byrne, aka O Brien the Irish Giant, the tallest man in the known world being nearly nine feet tall (engraving) by English School

Sketches at the Apple Congress at Chiswick (engraving)
1107245 Sketches at the Apple Congress at Chiswick (engraving) by Courbould, Alfred (fl.1831-75); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches at the Apple Congress at Chiswick)

Advert for an appearance of Charles Byrne, aka O Brien the Irish Giant, the tallest man in the known world (engraving)
585786 Advert for an appearance of Charles Byrne, aka O Brien the Irish Giant, the tallest man in the known world (engraving) by English School

The Irish Giant and the little Polish Nobleman (engraving)
2796554 The Irish Giant and the little Polish Nobleman (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Irish Giant and the little Polish Nobleman)

Charles Byrne, aka O Brien the Irish Giant (engraving)
585785 Charles Byrne, aka O Brien the Irish Giant (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Charles Byrne (1761-1783)

Mr Henry Blacker, The Irish Giant (engraving)
821311 Mr Henry Blacker, The Irish Giant (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Henry Blacker, The Irish Giant)

The Surprising Irish Giant of St. Jamess Street, March 27, 1785. March 27, 1785
The Surprising Irish Giant of St. Jamess Street, March 27, 1785

J

Byrne, the Irish Giant, Mr. Watson, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Fairholme, and Geordie Cranstoun
XJF2906490 Byrne, the Irish Giant, Mr. Watson, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Fairholme, and Geordie Cranstoun, 1784 (engraving) by Kay

Three Giants with a group of spectators, 1784 (engraving)
XJF2906489 Three Giants with a group of spectators, 1784 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info)

Hunterian Museum, 19th century
Hunterian Museum interior, 19th-century artwork. Located at the Royal College of Surgeons, Lincolns Inn Fields, London, England, this museum opened in 1813

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

The Irish Giant, Charles Byrne, also known as O'Brien, was a man of extraordinary stature. Standing at nearly nine feet tall, he held the title of being the tallest man in the known world. Engravings depicting his immense height and presence have become iconic symbols of his legacy. One such engraving showcases sketches taken at the Apple Congress in Chiswick. The image captures the awe-inspiring sight of Byrne towering over onlookers, leaving them astounded by his sheer size. Another engraving portrays an advertisement for one of his appearances, proudly proclaiming him as the tallest man in existence. In another fascinating depiction titled "The Irish Giant and the little Polish Nobleman, " we witness a striking contrast between Byrne's colossal frame and that of a diminutive nobleman. This encounter highlights not only Byrne's exceptional height but also serves as a testament to his ability to captivate people from all walks of life. Various engravings further immortalize Charles Byrne's remarkable stature. One particular piece features Mr. Henry Blacker embodying the role of The Irish Giant with great poise and grandeur. His commanding presence is evident through every stroke on paper. "The Surprising Irish Giant" chronicles an event that took place on St James Street in March 1785 when bystanders were left astonished by Byrne's incredible size as he made his way through London streets. These encounters undoubtedly left lasting impressions on those fortunate enough to witness them firsthand. Beyond mere fascination lies an intriguing aspect surrounding medicine and surgery during this time period depicted in lithographs like "Medicine and Surgery in England. " It raises questions about how professionals approached treating individuals with unique conditions such as Charles Byrne's gigantism. John Hunter, a renowned surgeon from 1788 portrayed in portraiture form, may have been involved or had knowledge regarding medical aspects related to giants like Byrne himself – their physiology or potential treatments they sought out for their conditions. Byrne's presence was not limited to his own persona alone.