The Irish Giant
Reproduction
Object numberRCSSC/P 296
CollectionSpecial collections
CategoryVisual works
Object namePen-and-wash drawings, Caricatures (visual works)
TitleThe Irish Giant
DescriptionDrawing of a tall man, possibly Patrick Cotter (O’Brien) (1760-1806), surrounded by people of average height, by Thomas Rowlandson, unsigned, c.1785.
The man was previously identified as Charles Byrne (1761–1783), who was known as ‘the Irish Giant’. However, a similar etching by Rowlandson, published in 1785, titled 'The Surprising Irish Giant of St. James’s Street' suggests that the drawing is more likely to depict Patrick Cotter (O’Brien) (1760-1806). Also known as ‘the Irish Giant’, Cotter could be seen at No 30 St James Street in 1785, while Charles Byrne could be visited at Spring Gardens near Charing Cross in 1782.
Production date 1785 - 1785
Artist
Sitter/subject
Sitter/subject
Related objectsRCSHC/Osteo. 223
Physical Location
LocationNot on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
Physical descriptionPen and brown ink and coloured wash on paper, 19cm by 29.5cm, in glazed frame, 36 by 46cm.
Bibliography
SourceClift 1816
NotesManuscript list titled "A List of Paintings and Drawings framed and glazed, numbered according to the Situation in which they were placed round the rail of the Gallery in Mr. Hunter's museum in Castle Street Leicester Square"
Transcript36. A burlesque representation of the Exhibition of O'Brien, the Irish Giant*
By Rowlandson
* The Irish Giant O'Bryne [sic] came to London soon after Boruwlaski which was in the year 1782. "He was eight feet three or four inches high. His shape was very well "proportioned, his physiognomy agreeable, and what is very uncommon in "men of this sort, his strength was equal to his size. He was at that "time only Twenty-two. Vide Boruwlaski Memoires: p. 199
