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.













The sun by Rhead for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Gorges Diosaz by Denyse Richard c1930 SNCF French Railways poster
London County & Westminster 5e Emprunt Firmin Bouisset
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1900
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
Hospitaux Paris Exposition Architecture by Razzia 1982
COTE D'AZUR BY TAL VINTAGE FRENCH TRAVEL POSTER
L'amant des danseuses 1894 by Cheret for Les Affiches Illustrees
Chateau de Nantes by Pierre Commarmond c1930
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Ein Ratfel on linen original
Wagon Lits Swiss by Andre Francois 1980c original serigraphie
Gil Blas Theofile Steinlen c1890's Le quartier breda
CIRQUE ROYAL BY MEUNIER MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Versailles by Razzia limited edition on arches paper signed numbered
Cuneesi Chocolate Silvestri on linen original italian poster
Bal du Moulin rouge Fascination poster by Rene Gruau on linen 1976 40 Doriss Girls Cancan
La petite poucette by Montel 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Henri Matisse Nice Travail & Joie 1947 original stone lithograph
Bercy Jazz non stop by Michel Bouvet 1984 Serigraph with Jazz Greats
Banque Privee Dijon 4e Emprunt Drummer Boy by H Falter 1917
Lido Bravissimo poster by Rene Gruau on linen
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Woman with dog on linen original
Bathers at Eagle Pond by Susan Stewart 2021 Oil and Ink on canvas
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1900
Aquarium du Trocadero by Eric for the Ville de Paris c1950
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
LA LOIE FULLER BY CHERET for Les Affiches Illustrees 1896
Sud Boisson Gazeifiee by Bellenger 1950 original vintage poster on linen
Galerie 65 Cannes for Marie Laurencin 1962 Exhibition poster
Henri de Toulouse Lautrec Au Cirque Images of The Circus 1952