Pedro Friedeberg Abstract 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...

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21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Abstract Paintings

Materials

Ink, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

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...

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2010s Pop Art Pedro Friedeberg Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, 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 Abstract Paintings

Materials

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

Kerry SmithR.E.M. - Murmur (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock and Roll, Pop, Legendary), 2022

$888Sale Price|25% Off

H 21 in W 22 in D 1 in

R.E.M. - Murmur (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock and Roll, Pop, Legendary)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith R.E.M. - Murmur Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2022 Size: 21x20in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1633 *Black frame with a mirror-gloss finish avail...

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2010s American Modern Pedro Friedeberg Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Kerry SmithAretha Franklin - Lady Soul (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Music, Rock and Roll), 2022

$888Sale Price|25% Off

H 21 in W 22 in D 1 in

Aretha Franklin - Lady Soul (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Music, Rock and Roll)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith Aretha Franklin - Lady Soul Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2022 Size: 21x22in Framed Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1622 *Black frame with a mirror...

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2010s Outsider Art Pedro Friedeberg Abstract 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 Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Kerry SmithNirvana - In Utero (Record Label, Ticket Stubs, Pop Art, Grammy), 2022

$477Sale Price|20% Off

H 12 in W 12 in

Nirvana - In Utero (Record Label, Ticket Stubs, Pop Art, Grammy)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith Nirvana - In Utero Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2022 Size: 12x12in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1630 *Black frame with a mirror-gloss finish av...

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2010s Pop Art Pedro Friedeberg Abstract 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 Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

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 Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Kerry SmithEric Clapton - Slowhand (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock & Roll, Pop, Guitar), 2022

$888Sale Price|25% Off

H 21 in W 22 in D 1 in

Eric Clapton - Slowhand (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock & Roll, Pop, Guitar)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith Eric Clapton - Slowhand Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2022 Size: 21x20in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1644 *Black frame with a mirror-gloss fini...

Category

2010s Contemporary Pedro Friedeberg Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Kerry SmithDavid Bowie - Ziggy Stardust (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock & Roll, Pop), 2022

$888Sale Price|25% Off

H 21 in W 22 in D 1 in

David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Rock & Roll, Pop)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2022 Size: 21x20in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1643 *Black frame with a mirror-gloss...

Category

2010s Contemporary Pedro Friedeberg Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Board

Kerry SmithEtta James - At Last (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Music, Rock and Roll), 2022

$888Sale Price|25% Off

H 21 in W 22 in D 1 in

Etta James - At Last (Grammy, Album Art, Iconic, Music, Rock and Roll)

By Kerry Smith

Located in Kansas City, MO

Kerry Smith Etta James - At Last Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2022 Size: 21x22in Framed Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1621 *Black frame with a mirror-gloss ...

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2010s Street Art Pedro Friedeberg Abstract 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 ...

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20th Century Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Abstract 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 Abstract 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...

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21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Abstract 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...

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21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Abstract 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 Abstract 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 Abstract 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...

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1970s Abstract Geometric Pedro Friedeberg Abstract 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...

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Mid-20th Century Surrealist Pedro Friedeberg Abstract Paintings

Materials

Ink, Oil

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...

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