Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Mexican, 1936-2026

The sculptor and painter Pedro Friedeberg worked in a richly detailed, Surrealist and eccentric artistic style that blended influences from neoclassical art, M.C. Escher and native Mesoamerican symbolism. He was best known for his Hand chair — a functional sculpture that is an icon of design-as-art.

Friedeberg was born in Florence to German parents and moved with his mother to Mexico at the outset of World War II. As a university student in Mexico City in the 1950s, he initially studied architecture, but his designs for fantastical buildings ran afoul of his rationalist, Bauhaus-oriented teachers.

By chance, Friedeberg’s drawings came to the attention of Mathias Goeritz, the German-born Dadaist painter and sculptor. He encouraged Friedeberg and made him a protégé. Friedeberg credits his mentor for instilling in him a fanatical attention to detail in his work. Friedeberg produced his first Hand chair in 1961, and has since created numerous iterations. He has also made several variants using other human limbs in different functional forms such as tables and clocks.

While Friedeberg’s sculptures have a gentle character that is sometimes described as spiritual, his paintings and prints are something entirely different. He employs deep perspective to create hypnotic, painstakingly rendered canvases that suggest rooms and cityscapes.

Whatever the medium, Friedeberg’s work is arresting and instantly recognizable. The Hand chair, though familiar, remains a captivating piece — both furniture and artwork — that stands apart in any interior. Examples are often priced between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on formal variations (such as a foot-shaped pedestal), material and condition. Smaller functional items such as tabletop clocks bring about $9,000. His paintings and drawings require space; they are meant to be contemplated. Prices on original examples start at about $30,000; prints generally sell in the region of $900.

As you will see on 1stDibs, the art and design of Pedro Friedeberg is singular and memorable.

Artist: Pedro Friedeberg

Pedro FriedebergChess Field, Signed Surrealist Painting by Pedro Friedeberg, 21st Century

Price Upon Request

Chess Field, Signed Surrealist Painting by Pedro Friedeberg

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Long Island City, NY

Friedeberg was born in Florence, Italy, on January 11, 1936, the son of German-Jewish parents, Friedeberg arrived in Mexico at the age of three. Having shown an early inclination for...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Catherine HartMy 80's Heart "Token 7" 2019, gouache, acrylic, graphite, panel, blue, orange, 2019

$120

H 5.5 in W 5 in D 1 in

My 80's Heart "Token 7" 2019, gouache, acrylic, graphite, panel, blue, orange

By Catherine Hart

Located in Jersey City, NJ

My 80's Heart "Token 7" 2019, gouache, acrylic, graphite, panel, blue, wood, orange

Category

2010s Contemporary Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Gouache, Panel, Wood Panel, Illustration Board, Graphite

Kerry SmithCircle Jerks - Group Sex (Record Label, Ticket Stub, Setlists, Contemporary Pop), 2021

$477Sale Price|20% Off

H 12 in W 12 in

Circle Jerks - Group Sex (Record Label, Ticket Stub, Setlists, Contemporary Pop)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith Circle Jerks - Group Sex Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2021 Size: 12x12in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1612 *Black fram...

Category

2010s Pop Art Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Kerry SmithLed Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock and Roll), 2018

$888Sale Price|25% Off

H 21 in W 22 in D 1 in

Led Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock and Roll)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith Led Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2018 Size: 21x20in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1632 *Black frame with a mirror-...

Category

2010s American Modern Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Kerry SmithNine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine (Record Label, Ticket Stubs, Setlists), 2019

$477Sale Price|20% Off

H 12 in W 12 in

Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine (Record Label, Ticket Stubs, Setlists)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2019 Size: 12x12in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1618 *Black frame with a mir...

Category

2010s Contemporary Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Georges DussauFrench Surrealist Colorful Futurist Abstract Painting Composition IV, 1979

$850

H 14.75 in W 22 in

French Surrealist Colorful Futurist Abstract Painting Composition IV

By Georges Dussau

Located in Surfside, FL

actual image measures 7.5X11.25, titled Composition III on French Arches Mould made paper. Georges DUSSAU est né le 14 Mars 1947, à Chalon-sur-Saône (France) Il vit et travaille à ...

Category

20th Century Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Gouache, Handmade Paper

Anna MikkeCrows. Contemporary Mixed Media Painting, Abstraction, Birds, Polish art, 2003

$512Sale Price|20% Off

H 31.11 in W 17.72 in

Crows. Contemporary Mixed Media Painting, Abstraction, Birds, Polish art

By Anna Mikke

Located in Warsaw, PL

Contemporary mixed media on board painting by Polish artist Anna Mikke. Birds are next to people favourite artistic subject of Mikke. This piece is in neutral colors, the background ...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Kerry SmithB.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock & Roll, Guitar), 2022

$888Sale Price|25% Off

H 21 in W 22 in D 1 in

B.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock & Roll, Guitar)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith Jimi Hendrix - Band Of Gypsys Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2022 Size: 21x20in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1640 *Black frame with a mirror-glos...

Category

2010s Modern Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Kerry SmithBruce Springsteen - Born To Run (Record Label, Ticket Stubs, Setlists, Pop Art), 2017

$477Sale Price|20% Off

H 12 in W 12 in

Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run (Record Label, Ticket Stubs, Setlists, Pop Art)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2017 Size: 12x12in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1623 *Black frame with a mirror-gl...

Category

2010s Pop Art Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Abstract Expressionist Symphony in Blue, Follower of Clyfford Still

$354Sale Price|20% Off

H 10.63 in W 6.3 in D 0.6 in

Abstract Expressionist Symphony in Blue, Follower of Clyfford Still

Located in Cotignac, FR

1960s Abstract Expressionist composition in blue. The painting is signed bottom right, 'Cowans' but as yet undeciphered. Presented in a fine gilt wood frame, with a silk fabric mount...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Board, Gouache

Kerry SmithRadiohead - Amnesiac (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock & Roll, Pop, Legend), 2022

$888Sale Price|25% Off

H 21 in W 22 in D 1 in

Radiohead - Amnesiac (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock & Roll, Pop, Legend)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith Radiohead - Amnesiac Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2022 Size: 21x20in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1641 *Black frame with a mirror-gloss finish ...

Category

2010s Modern Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Georges DussauFrench Surrealist Colorful Futurist Abstract Painting Composition II, 1979

$850

H 22 in W 14.75 in

French Surrealist Colorful Futurist Abstract Painting Composition II

By Georges Dussau

Located in Surfside, FL

actual image measures 11.25x7.5, titled Composition V on French Arches Mould made paper. Georges DUSSAU est né le 14 Mars 1947, à Chalon-sur-Saône (France) Il vit et travaille à Me...

Category

20th Century Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Gouache, Handmade Paper

Georges DussauFrench Surrealist Colorful Futurist Abstract Painting Composition III, 1979

$850

H 14.75 in W 22 in

French Surrealist Colorful Futurist Abstract Painting Composition III

By Georges Dussau

Located in Surfside, FL

actual image measures 7.5X11.25, titled Composition III on French Arches Mould made paper. Georges DUSSAU est né le 14 Mars 1947, à Chalon-sur-Saône (France) Il vit et travaille à ...

Category

20th Century Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Gouache, Handmade Paper

Previously Available Items

Pedro FriedebergEl Hipopótamo from the book "La Jungla" Sonetos de Guadalupe Amor, 1980

Sold

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in

El Hipopótamo from the book "La Jungla" Sonetos de Guadalupe Amor

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México

The Hippopotamus Pedro Friedeberg Original Ink on paper. This image belongs to the book "La Jungla" (The Jungle) sonnets by Guadalupe Amor. With Certificate of Authenticity from th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

Pedro FriedebergDecapitaciones Trantamorficas, 1978

Sold

H 29.53 in W 29.53 in

Decapitaciones Trantamorficas

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México

"TRANTAMORPHIC BEHEADINGS" Pedro Friedeberg Original Mixed media on paper. Pedro Friedeberg is a Mexican artist and designer known for his surrealist work filled with lines colors a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Paper

Pedro FriedebergSiluetas Peligrosas

Sold

H 19.69 in W 14.57 in

Siluetas Peligrosas

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México

"DANGEROUS SILHOUETTES" Mixed media on Museum board. Pedro Friedeberg is a Mexican artist and designer known for his surrealist work filled with lines colors and ancient and religi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Illustration Board

Pedro FriedebergCapilla Particular

Sold

H 19.3 in W 15.75 in

Capilla Particular

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México

"PARTICULAR CHAPEL" Mixed media on Museum board. Pedro Friedeberg is a Mexican artist and designer known for his surrealist work filled with lines colors and ancient and religious ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Illustration Board

Pedro FriedebergSalón de los Espejos Negros

Sold

H 20.08 in W 15.75 in

Salón de los Espejos Negros

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México

"BLACK MIRRORS HALL" Mixed media on Museum board. Pedro Friedeberg is a Mexican artist and designer known for his surrealist work filled with lines colors and ancient and religious...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Illustration Board

Pedro Friedeberg"Four Acrobats in Six Positions" Geometric Surrealist Print Edition 1 of 50, 1972

Sold

H 25.5 in W 25.5 in D 0.5 in

"Four Acrobats in Six Positions" Geometric Surrealist Print Edition 1 of 50

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Houston, TX

Geometric patterns with diamonds and other shapes. Painting consist of red figures that appear to be standing on chairs or hanging off of them. Print is the 1st edition of 50 prints. Artist signed the print in to bottom right corner. Print is framed in a gold frame with a cream matte. Artist Biography: Pedro Friedenberg is a Mexican artist known for his surrealist works that consist of ancient and religious symbols. He was born in Florence, Italy and escaped Europe at the beginning of the Second World War. He designed sculptural furniture in the shape of hands and feet. Friederberg studied as an architect but instead began to draw and designs surrealist inspired works. His work caught the attention of artist Mathias Goeritz who encouraged him to continue as an artist. Friedeberg became part of a group of surrealist artists in Mexico which included Leonora Carrington and Alice Rahon...

Category

1970s Abstract Geometric Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Lithograph

Pedro FriedebergComposition with pyramids, circa 1960

Sold

H 15 in W 15 in

Composition with pyramids

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Greenwich, CT

original painting by surrealist Mexican Artist Pedro Friedeberg (b. 1936) Date : circa 1960's Year: 1969 Medium: oil, pen and ink on board Size: 15 x 15 inches ( 21 x 21 in. w. frame...

Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Materials

Ink, Oil

Pedro FriedebergSurrealist Architectural Fantasy Painting "Un Domingo En Gibraltar"

Sold

H 14.5 in W 15.5 in

Surrealist Architectural Fantasy Painting "Un Domingo En Gibraltar"

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Surfside, FL

Fish floating in a Piranesi or Fornasetti inspired landscape. In original Ziggurat black cloth frame. Pedro Friedeberg was born in Florence, Italy, 1936, to German-Jewish parents, H...

Category

20th Century Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Pedro FriedebergSurrealist Architectural Fantasy Painting "RSVP"

Sold

H 14.5 in W 15.5 in

Surrealist Architectural Fantasy Painting "RSVP"

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Surfside, FL

"SOS" "RSVP" "QED" "Los Ignorantes..." in original Ziggurat black cloth frame. Pedro Friedeberg was born in Florence, Italy, 1936, to German-Jewish parents, He arrived in Mexico at...

Category

20th Century Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Pedro Friedeberg"Aviones Musicales" Surrealist Fantasy Painting in gilded Ziggurat frame

Sold

H 26 in W 26 in

"Aviones Musicales" Surrealist Fantasy Painting in gilded Ziggurat frame

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Surfside, FL

Musical Butterfly Airplanes. ("Aviones Musicales Sobrevolando Papalotitlan")in original Ziggurat gilt frame. (minor wear to the gold leaf gilding) Pedro Friedeberg was born in Floren...

Category

20th Century Pedro Friedeberg Paintings

Pedro Friedeberg paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Pedro Friedeberg paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Pedro Friedeberg in acrylic paint, ink, paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the Surrealist style. Not every interior allows for large Pedro Friedeberg paintings, so small editions measuring 38 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Oleg Turchin, Igor Samsonov, Ferjo, and Fernando de Jesus Oliveira. Pedro Friedeberg paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,600 and tops out at $31,000, while the average work can sell for $29,000.