JOHNSON, Fred G. (1892-1990). The Icelandic Giant. Chicago: O? Henry Tent & Awning Co., ca. 1930s. Painted canvas. A tall, muscular man in Viking garb standing beside a woman in a red bathing suit waves to passers-by. 180 x 114 ??. SIGNED at lower right. Expected wear from age and use. The undisputed master of the art of the sideshow banner, Fred G. Johnson produced hundreds of iconic works throughout a forty-year career with the O. Henry Tent & Awning Company. This banner was formerly owned and used by Johann K. Petursson (1913-1984), who stood 7 ft. 8 in and was known as The Viking Giant or Icelandic Giant.