The last of the OLD WORLD GIANTS. 5 Franz Winkelmeier

The man in the picture is Franz Winkelmeier (1860–1887), an Austrian man known as the "Giant of Friedburg-Lengau". He was promoted as one of the tallest men in the world during the late 19th century, with claims of his height reaching up to 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m).

This specific photograph was taken in the late 19th century, likely in Paris or during his public exhibitions in the 1880s.

Notable Facts
Public Life: Winkelmeier began making public appearances as an "anomaly" in 1881. He performed at famous venues like the Folies Bergère in Paris and traveled to London in late 1886. Royal Audience: On June 22, 1887, he was received by Queen Victoria, who gifted him a gold pocket watch.

Health and Legacy: His height was later attributed to acromegaly. Sadly, he passed away from tuberculosis in August 1887 at only 27 years old. A museum dedicated to his life, the Riesenmuseum, is located in his hometown of Lengau.