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.













Verigoud by Raymond Savignac 1955 original French poster
1985 Grand Prix Automobile San Marino on linen by MIchael Turner
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1900
Je Vous Ecris Fiest l'Estampe by Jean Michel Folon original serigraphie 1986
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Ein Ratfel on linen original
Children's books by Beardsley for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
French Line by Brenet c1950 Cie Gle Transatlantique Cruise Line
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Fallobft on linen original
Middelkerke Belgique by Herman Verbaere c1950
Olympia by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Simplicissimus 1913 by Lendecke Karneval im Suden on linen original
Wagon Lits Swiss by Valerio Adami 1980c original serigraphie
Benedictine Liqueur by Paul Davis 1990 original FRENCH poster
Figaro Illustre Athena by Leftwich 1898 on linen
Royale Cigarettes by Herve Morvan c 1960 on linen original french poster
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Mannequin Stolz on linen original
Balto Cigarettes by Guy Georget 1950 on linen original french poster
1920's lady Golf poster rare
Paquebot Normandie Compagnie Generale 1938 original
Figaro Illustre carriage by Vallet 1898 on linen
Impression d'hier by Razzia original in large size
Figaro Illustre lac Leman 1898 on linen
Le Telepherique du Lac D'Annecy by Henry Reb 1939 Lake Annecy SNCF poster
Figaro Illustre in the garden by Jeanniot 1898 on linen
THE CHIEFTAIN BY DUDLEY HARDY MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Simplicissimus Schnackenberg 1913 Russian Ballet Nijinsky Sheherazade
Carnaval de Nice by Jean Luc 1950 on linen original french lithograph
1978 Savignac – Musée de l’Affiche, Paris – Original Stone Lithograph, Excellent Condition
Jean Tinguely – Odalisque #2 (1989) Workshop Proof Silkscreen on Arches
GORGES DU FIER LAKE ANNECY SNCF ORIGINAL VINTAGE FRENCH TRAVEL POSTER 1950c