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
Quinquina Dubonnet Aperitif Jules Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
THE JULY CENTURY BY WOODBURY MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Figaro Illustre calendar 1898 on linen
Andy Warhol Chanel N5 Perfume Yellow Blue 22 x 29 inches
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
La Loie Fuller by Jules Cheret Les Affiches Illustrees by Chaix Imprimerie 1896 original stone lithographic plate
Sascha Maurer – Gregg Skis (c.1950s) Original Ski Advertising Poster – 21.25 × 31.5 in.
Lidia by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Publicity for Musical Score for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Peret (1989) – Droits de l’Homme – Original Human Rights Bicentennial Poster