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
Theatrophone by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Paquebot Normandie Compagnie Generale 1938 original
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Holfballett on linen original
Messageries Maritimes by Jean Des Gachons 1950's Ship poster
Razzia Louis Vuitton Bagatelle 1998 original hand signed original sm
Pall Mall by Greiffenhagen for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich dalthloftopie on linen original
The Wanderer Painting by Spencer Stewart 2022 Acrylic and Spray Paint on canvas
Roma Mercato di Traiano by Vittorio Grassi 1925 RARE italian enit poster
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Europe Air France by Edmond Maurus 1948 with Lockeed Constellation
SAINT JEAN BY MOREAU NELATON MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Paquebot General Leclaerc voyage poster by Brenet 1950 VINTAGE ORIGINAL FRENCH POSTER
ABA Swedish Air Lines to the Orient by Olle Svenson RARE early Israel
GORGES DU FIER LAKE ANNECY SNCF ORIGINAL VINTAGE FRENCH TRAVEL POSTER 1950c
Cosulich Line – Klodic 1933 - Timetable Poster, – Rare Original Italian Lithograph
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Boudoir on linen original
Hommage a Christian Dior Exposition poster by Rene Gruau on linen 1987 original Musee des ARts Decoratifs
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1934
Paul Davis (1989) – Human Rights – Original Droits de l’Homme Bicentennial Poster
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich raffinement on linen original