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Parry, T (engraver).
Mr Patrick O'Brien The Celebrated Irish Giant. 8 Feet 7 Inches high. Aged 38 Years [Etching].
Publisher: R. S. Kirby, London;
Date of Publication: 1804
Stock Code: 11162
Engraving approx. 225 mm x 142 mm, trimmed within plate margin to right, with small margins all sides. The image depicts O’Brien facing left leaning on an open door, with a regular sized man standing in the aperture, looking up at him, and a scale to O’Brien’s right showing a height of 8 foot 7 inches. Margins lightly toned with a little light foxing; image crisp and clean. A Very Good copy indeed. Patrick O’Brien (1760-1806) was born Patrick Cotter and like other “giants” he adopted the surname of O’Brien to claim descent from the legendary Brian Boru. The first man recorded with a certified height in excess of 8 feet, he worked the English sideshow circuit to become a wealthy man, retiring to Bristol in 1804. Fourteen bearers carried O’Brien’s casket to his funeral, and though he requested that he be entombed after death to prevent exhumation, his remains were excavated in 1972 and his height verified as over 8 feet. £75.00