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.













Fiest 1986 Foire iNternationale de l'Estampe by Jean Michel Folon original serigraphie
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Ein Unbefangener on linen original
RABBI ELISCHA L'AVEUGLE BY LEVY VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER ESTAMPE MODERNE 1897
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1900
Paglieri Perfumed Talc poster 1950 by Gino Boccasile
Cuneesi Arione Italian Chocolate Carlo Prandoni 1951 original printing
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Hospitaux Paris Exposition Architecture by Razzia 1982
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music by Giuseppe Anichini 1900
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Time is money on linen original
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1934
Eau Vichy by Guillaume 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Brennendes Heimweh on linen original
Henri de Toulouse Lautrec Au Cirque Images of The Circus 1952
Jardin de Paris by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music by Giuseppe Anichini 1900
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich ice skater on linen original
Figaro Illustre Athena by Leftwich 1898 on linen
Zapparoli Panettone Cake poster 1950 by Gino Boccasile
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music by Giuseppe Anichini 1900
Festival de Jazz de Paris Aki Kuroda 1992 Serigraphy original
Radio France 150 Concerts a Paris by Valerio Adami 1993/4
La Fete du Cinema a Paris by Valerio Adami 1988
Prep Mermaid by Erasmo Ferrante on linen original italian poster