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.













Messageries Maritimes by Jean Des Gachons 1950's Ship poster
Ravenna by Giovanni Guerrini 1930 original Italian TRAVEL POSTER enit railways
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music by Giuseppe Anichini 1900
Marjolaine by Lefeure 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
L'Escarmouche by Ibels 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Two girls in the park on linen original
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music by Giuseppe Anichini 1914
SCALA BY BAC MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Henri de Toulouse Lautrec Au Cirque Images of The Circus 1952
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Blue dress on linen original
Bitter Campari by Leonetto Cappiello 1921 original Italian poster RARE VERSION
Oberland Bernois Ski poster Hans Falk 1949 28 x 39 inch original
Paris Paul Colin for the SNCF 1946 French Railways poster
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Heimweh on linen original
Dior Perfume Eau Sauvage poster by Rene Gruau on linen 1980 original
Lessive Figaro by Leo Gausson 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Festival de Jazz de Paris 1993
CENTENAIRE DE LA DECOUVERTE BY HOHENSTEIN MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Wagon Lits Swiss by Valerio Adami 1980c original serigraphie
Une Nuit by Bernard Villemot 1973 original vintage poster on linen
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1900
LMS Bestway by AM Cassandre ORIGINAL VINTAGE FRENCH TRAVEL POSTER
Simplicissimus 1913 by Ludwig Kainer Lounge scene on linen original
MOTORCYCLES COMIOT BY STEINLEN VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Sestrieres Ski poster 1950/78 by Gino Boccasile original
L'argent by Toulouse Lautrec 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Peret (1989) – Droits de l’Homme – Original Human Rights Bicentennial Poster