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.
Signed Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair an Exceptional Example
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
Authentic, signed hand-painted and gold leafed Pedro Friedeberg butterfly chair in excellent condition.
Gold Leaf
Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair. 1980s. Signed.
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
Original Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair. Beautiful mix of hand painted colors. Some wear around the edges and light scratches, but no distractions. Great example.
Wood, Giltwood
Paul Evans Style Monumental High Back Throne Chairs on Casters. Chrome, Brass.
By Paul Evans
Located in Kansas City, MO
One of a kind, custom made, monumental, crazy cool, pair of chairs in the style of Paul Evans. The brass and chrome patchwork design is similar to Cityscape designs. The upper back...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Completely Original Alexandria Chair Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare opportunity. All original example of the Alexandria Chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Retains the original, high quality black leather seat with attractive wear. This...
Mahogany, Leather
John Salterini Childs Chair, Wrought Iron and Wicker
By John Salterini
Located in Kansas City, MO
John Salterini wrought iron and wicker childs chair in excellent condition. This is the best childs chair we have ever seen.
Wrought Iron
Pedro Friedeberg Hands and Feet Table. Gold Leaf. Original and Rare
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pedro Friedeberg surrealist table. Glass with gold leafed hand carved wood. An exceptional example of the artists work. Could be used as a coffee table, occasional table, side tab...
Gold Leaf
Gold Peak Of A Century Chair by Markus Friedrich Staab
By Markus Friedrich Staab
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold Peak Of A Century Chair by Markus Friedrich Staab One of a Kind Dimensions: D 47 x W 42 x H 82 cm. Materials: Wood, paint, gold leaf. De-constructed 50’s chair...
Gold Leaf
Ethno Eames - Gold - Design Chair Paolo Giordano Edition Cast Plated
By Paolo Giordano
Located in MILANO, ML
Ethno Eames - Gold - Design Chair Paolo Giordano Edition Cast Contemporary Ethno Eames - Gold The application of ethnic Indian decoration to modern design...
Aluminum, Gold, Gold Plate
American Modern Surrealist Armchair, Parcel Gilt Steel Frame, 1970s
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern surrealist armchair with a parcel gilt steel frame featuring applied abstract back design and an upholstered seat. Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Metal
Collectible Smooth Brass Club Chair – Cabriole Leg, Sculptural, Handmade
By Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
The Louise Club Chair in Smooth Brass covers the armchair form entirely in metal. Back panel, seat, arm rests, apron, and four cabriole legs are all clad in Smooth Brass, each surfac...
Brass, Sheet Metal
Angel's chair in Solid Wood Gold Leaf Finish and Padded Seat
By Fratelli Boffi
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
Introducing the Angel's Chair—an embodiment of elegance and divine design. This exquisite piece boasts a gracefully curved back and legs, adding a touch of celestial charm to any space. Adorned in luxurious red flannel, it invites you to sink into a throne of comfort and sophistication. But the allure doesn't stop there—every inch of the Angel's Chair is meticulously finished in opulent gold leaf, elevating it to a level of unparalleled glamour. This divine combination of rich red and shimmering gold creates a statement piece that transcends mere furniture, becoming a symbol of refined taste and celestial aesthetics. Bring a touch of celestial opulence into your home with the Angel's Chair. Whether gracing your living room or adding regal flair to a cozy corner, this chair is more than furniture; it's a testament to the art of living...
Gold Leaf
Smooth Brass Accent Chair – Sculptural Cabriole Leg Club Chair, Handmade
By Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
The Louise Club Chair in Smooth Brass is an accent chair with every exterior surface in metal. The back, seat, arms, apron, and four cabriole legs are clad in Smooth Brass, the metal...
Brass, Sheet Metal
