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Pedro Friedeberg Sculptures

Mexican, b. 1936

The sculptor and painter Pedro Friedeberg works in a richly detailed, Surrealist and eccentric artistic style that blends influences from neoclassical art, M.C. Escher and native Mesoamerican symbolism. He is 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.

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Artist: Pedro Friedeberg
Reloj Astrologico (rare signed bronze sculpture)
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Aventura, FL
Bronze sculpture. Incised Pedro Friedberg on the base. Incised PA (artist proof) on the base. Certificate of Authenticity is included. Artwork is in excellent condition. All re...
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Pedro Friedeberg Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pedro Friedeberg, "Hand Foot", unique sculpture
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Chatsworth, CA
Pedro Friedeberg Unique Hand Foot Sculpture Gilt finished wood Signed PEDRO FRIEDEBERG on bottom of the foot 12 inches tall, 6 inches wide (base of hand), 3 inches wide (base of foot...
Category

1960s Modern Pedro Friedeberg Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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Previously Available Items
Piedra Filosofal (Philosopher Stone) (8/10)
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Gold Leaf

Handchair
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Ceramic, Linen, Oil

Handchair
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H 18.5 in W 9.05 in D 9.05 in
BANCA ZIGURATICA NINIVESCA DE 3 PLAZAS (SCULPTURE)
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Wood sculpture with gold color trim. Hand signed and numbered on the underside by the artist. From the edition of 4. Certificate of Authenticity is included. Artwork is in excellent condition. All reasonable offers will be considered. About the Artist: Pedro Friedeberg is a contemporary Mexican artist...
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FRUTERO TRIPIE (SCULPTURE)
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SILLA DE PIE Y MANO (LARGE)
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Pedro Friedeberg sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Pedro Friedeberg sculptures available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Pedro Friedeberg in wood, gold leaf, gold 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 contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Pedro Friedeberg sculptures, so small editions measuring 6 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Felipe Castañeda, Igael Tumarkin, and Alejandro Santiago. Pedro Friedeberg sculptures prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,450 and tops out at $50,000, while the average work can sell for $7,200.

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