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.













Soir d'Octobre by Ernest Laurent for L'Estampe Moderne 1897 original plate
Les coulisses de l'opera by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Exposition by Willete 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Pain d'epices de Dijon by Jossot 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Messageries Maritimes by Jean Des Gachons 1950's Ship poster
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
FETE DE CHARITE BY CHERET MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Grasse by David Dellepiane 1900 ORIGINAL VINTAGE FRENCH TRAVEL POSTER
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1900
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Lidia by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Bei der Gegelregatta on linen original
MOTORCYCLES COMIOT BY STEINLEN VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Solveig by Stevens for L'Estampe Moderne 1897 original plate
Bitter Campari by Leonetto Cappiello 1921 original Italian poster RARE VERSION
CIRQUE ROYAL BY MEUNIER MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Pour le dernier quart d'heure banque nationale de credit emprunt SEM 1917
Wagon Lits Swiss by Valerio Adami 1980c original serigraphie
Saint Jean by Nelaton 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Der König der Lufte on linen original
Rene Gruau Dior Eau Sauvage Perfume poster on linen 1980 original
The Guardian Painting by Spencer Stewart 2022 Acrylic and Ink and pigments on canvas
Adani Fruit poster 1950 by Gino Boccasile original vintage poster on linen
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music by Giuseppe Anichini 1900
LA LOIE FULLER BY CHERET for Les Affiches Illustrees 1896
Maquettes animées by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
La petite poucette by Montel 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Spoletto Umbria Italian Railways Enit 1927 Cesare Simonetti
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Exposition by Ibels 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Vin Mariani by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Versailles by Razzia limited edition on arches paper signed numbered
Cosulich Line – Klodic 1933 - Timetable Poster, – Rare Original Italian Lithograph
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Romantic scene on linen original
Hommage a Christian Dior Exposition poster by Rene Gruau on linen 1987 original Musee des ARts Decoratifs
RABBI ELISCHA L'AVEUGLE BY LEVY VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER ESTAMPE MODERNE 1897
Leonetto Cappiello Cachou Lajaunie Breath Mints Art Nouveau 1900 original French poster
Rochers de Naye sur Montreux 1900 ORIGINAL VINTAGE Swiss TRAVEL
The Wanderer Painting by Spencer Stewart 2022 Acrylic and Spray Paint on canvas
La gomme by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Peret (1989) – Droits de l’Homme – Original Human Rights Bicentennial Poster