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.













ORIGINAL VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER BOUQUETIERE BY BOULISSET ESTAMPE MODERNE 1897
Simplicissimus by Spiegel 1913 Frifch vom Geminar on linen original
Moulin Rouge Frenesie Watusi poster by Rene Gruau on linen
San Salvadour near Hyeres South of France PLM Source Minerale 1900
ANDY WARHOL Martini Art Gallery 1997 ORIGINAL VINTAGE POP ART POSTER ON LINEN
Paquebots de legende by Paul Colin 1992
Figaro Illustre Athena by Leftwich 1898 on linen
Bosch Refrigerator by Paul Colin 1963 original french poster
CORINNE BY MAURICE DUMAS VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER ESTAMPE MODERNE 1897
GAP Haute Alpes by G Gorde PLM French Railways 1932
Messageries Maritimes Marseille-Alexandrie PLM by Daviel 1924
Geo Ham for Suze Stock Cars race 1950 ORIGINAL VINTAGE POSTER
Dubo Dubon Dubonnet by Cassandre affichette c 1930 vintage poster
Roland Topor (1989) – Droits de l’Homme “Droit à la Paresse” – Original Human Rights Bicentennial Poster
9ᵉ Festival de Jazz de Paris designed by Peter Klasen in 1988 for the annual jazz festival organized by the City of Paris