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.
Framed Surrealistic Drawing by Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Pedro Friedeberg (Mexican, 1936-) Title:Le Tombeau D'Hemingway Year: 1963 Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper: Size: 14 3/4 x 19 1/2 plus 3 inch frame Mark: upper lef...
Paper
Original Model Drawing by André Courrèges for Diana Vreeland
By André Courrèges
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Wonderful historical pen and ink illustration on board by Courrèges of his models done for and notated to Diana Vreeland. Great piece of fashion history. Framed in an original plexig...
Paper
French Drawing in Pen and Gouache by André Arbus, Paris, 1938
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
Gouache and pen work by André Arbus (1903-1969). Signed Andre Arbus. Origin: Drawing of dining table by Andre Arbus for the apartment of Mme Pedersen, Paris, 1938. Literature:...
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
H 15 in W 11 in D 0.1 in
"American Indian Dance, " Art Deco Drawing by Jean Target, 1930s
By Jean Target
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Evidence of Western Europe's fascination with Native American culture, dress and way of life for over a century, this vivid drawing uses watercolor, gouache and crayon to capture a g...
Paper
Set of Three Framed Drawing by Anne Abueva, 2021
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful set of three framed abstract drawings by artist, Anne Abueva, rendered in conté crayon on paper and framed in simple maple gallery fram...
Paper, Crayon
Pedro Friedeberg Zebra, Ink on Paper from the Jungle Series
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Mexico City, MX
Important painting by Mexican artist Pedro Friedeberg depicting a zebra, from The Jungle series. Exposed in the 1984 exhibition at Galería de Arte Misrachi, Mexico City. Originally c...
Paper
$847Sale Price|73% Off
H 9 in W 12 in D 1 in
Abstract Expressionist Ink Drawing on Paper by Salvatore Grippi 1953
By Salvatore Grippi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This ink figurative abstract Expressionist piece on paper is signed by its creator, noted New York School artist Salvatore Grippi. Though undated, the piece is similar in form and st...
Paper
$2,950
H 28.5 in W 19 in D 1 in
Painting, Drawing of Dancer, Framed, Signed H. Sjardi, Italy, C 1950, Vintage
Located in New York, NY
Painting, drawing of dancers from the mid-century time, circa 1950. It is signed H. Sjardi. The drawing has an original green bamboo frame. The pain...
Paper
$595
H 9.88 in W 8.6 in D 0.1 in
"WD967" Abstract Work on Paper by M. P. Landis, Warehouse Drawing Series
Located in New York, NY
An energetic abstract work on paper by the artist M.P. Landis. The artist's abstract paintings and works on paper are the type that take form through the artist's layering of materia...
Paper
$500
H 8.5 in W 9.63 in D 0.1 in
Abstract Work on Paper by M. P. Landis, from Warehouse Drawing Series
Located in New York, NY
A richly-hued abstract work on paper by the artist M.P. Landis. The artist's abstract paintings and works on paper are the type that take form through the artist's layering of materi...
Paper
$595
H 8.6 in W 10 in D 0.1 in
"WD992" Abstract Work on Paper by M. P. Landis, Warehouse Drawing Series
By MP Landis
Located in New York, NY
An energetic, richly hued abstract work on paper by the artist M.P. Landis. The artist's abstract paintings and works on paper are the type that take form through the artist's layeri...
Paper
$595
H 8.38 in W 10.25 in D 0.1 in
"WD2758 Mona" Abstract Art by M. P. Landis, Warehouse Drawing Series
By MP Landis
Located in New York, NY
An energetic, richly hued abstract work on paper by the artist M.P. Landis. The artist's abstract paintings and works on paper are the type that take form through the artist's layeri...
Paper
$1,600
H 11.03 in W 23.43 in D 0.04 in
Large Original Drawing by Gio Ponti, 1952, Created for Touring Carrozzeria Milan
By Gio Ponti
Located in Dronten, NL
This large original drawing from 1952 highlights the creative brilliance of Gio Ponti, one of the most important figures in 20th-century design and architecture. Ponti’s hand is imme...
Paper
1970s Pedro Friedeberg Kabalah Abstract Op Art Lithograph
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Abstract Op Art Lithograph Kabalah by Pedro Friedeberg A P 6/10 Bright colors bold patterns provide illusion and fantasy. Signed in pencil. 30 h x 30.25 x .75 Art 28.75 x 28.75...
Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Paper
Sold
H 29.25 in W 23.75 in D 1.25 in
Pedro Friedeberg Art Magical Bobpotzli Dios Del Arte Televisivo Painting
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration an original serigraph painting by Pedro Friedeberg. Signed in pencil in the lower right section. Left side in pencil: 1/12. Title: "BOBPOTZLI DIOS DEL ARTE TEL...
Paper, Glass, Wood
Pair of Framed Ink Drawings by Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of interesting color ink drawing on irregularly pattern paper by Mexican surrealist artist Pedro Friedeberg dated 1989. Both framed in thin bronze with double glass front and ...
Paper
Framed surrealistic drawing by Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Pedro Friedeberg (Mexican, 1936-) Title: Ornithodelphia the City of Bird Lovers. Year: 1963 Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper. Size: 15 1/4 x 19 1/2 in plus two inches...