Andre Francois (1989) – Human Rights – Original Droits de l’Homme Bicentennial Poster
$ 395Images Internationales pour les Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen – André François (1989)
This original 1989 poster by André François (1915–2005) was created for Images Internationales pour les Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen, a major international series commissioned by Artis 89 in Paris to commemorate the bicentennial of the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
François’s design—one of the most visually striking in the set—depicts an eye peering from a hat box labeled “Au Bon Marché 1789”, with the word “Vigilance” inscribed below. The image fuses surreal wit with political critique, implying that human rights, once hard-won, must not be taken lightly or sold cheaply. The reference to Au Bon Marché—the famous Parisian department store—adds irony, suggesting that liberty itself can be commodified when vigilance fades.
Renowned for his imaginative, often satirical visual language, François brings both humor and gravity to this composition, linking the ideals of the French Revolution with a warning against complacency.
Printed by Artis 89, Paris, the poster was part of a historic collaboration of 66 international artists invited to create original images celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights.
Artist: André François
Title: Images Internationales pour les Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen (Vigilance)
Date: 1989
Printer / Publisher: Artis 89, Paris
Series: International Images for Human and Citizen’s Rights – Bicentennial of the Declaration
Print Type: Offset Lithograph
Dimensions: 33 × 24 in (84 × 60 cm)
Condition: Excellent “A” – Original issue
Country: France
Category: Human Rights / Commemorative Poster / 20th-Century Graphic Art
Comments:
Issued in 1989 as part of the Images Internationales pour les Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen series celebrating the bicentennial of the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man. François’s powerful design, Vigilance, shows an eye emerging from a hat box labeled Au Bon Marché 1789, a metaphorical reminder of the cost of freedom and the need to protect human rights from neglect or exploitation. Original issue, not a reproduction.













Paris Paul Colin for the SNCF 1946 French Railways poster
La petite poucette by Montel 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
S Maurizio Ferrovie Nord Milano by Carlo Dradi ski destination poster
Printemps Le Plus Parisien Des Grands Magasin by Tony Viramontes 1985
Eugenie Buffet La cigale by Metivet 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Je Vous Ecris Fiest l'Estampe by Jean Michel Folon original serigraphie 1986
Vous Aussi Faites votre Devoir by Chavannaz
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Haiti Coffee poster 1950 by Gino Boccasile original vintage poster on linen
Soir d'Octobre by Ernest Laurent for L'Estampe Moderne 1897 original plate
Theatre de la Tour Eiffel by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Parade by Pablo Picasso 1973 original for the Joffrey Ballet
Cognac Albert Robin BY Bruce SKILBECK 2002 ORIGINAL limited edition 500
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Backstage dancers on linen original
Le Roman d'un Tricheur by Raymond Savignac Cannes Film Festival
1998 Grand Prix Automobile San Marino on linen by MIchael Turner
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Armes Luder on linen original
Journey de l'armée Afrique et Troupes Coloniales Fourneray 1917
Lido Grand Jeu poster by Rene Gruau
Bathers at Eagle Pond by Susan Stewart 2021 Oil and Ink on canvas
Peret (1989) – Droits de l’Homme – Original Human Rights Bicentennial Poster