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.













Impression d'hier by Razzia original in large size
Hommage a Jean Cocteau for the Ville de Nantes 1964 original stone lithograph
Fred Joaliers Paris by Razzia original version
Simplicissimus 1913 War plane by Schulz on linen original
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Sailing on linen original
Aux Buttes Chaumont by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Sarajevo Olympics by Mujezonovic 1984 Ski Jump
1971 Grand Prix Automobile of Monaco by Steve Carpenter on linen
Lippincott's by Carqueville for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Erté — Folies Bergère: La Nouvelle Revue de Hélène Martini (Éditions Martinet), c.1970s, Serigraph, 39×59 in
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Woman with dog on linen original
Monaco Grand Prix 1964 poster signed J May
Folies bergere by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Henri de Toulouse Lautrec Au Cirque Images of The Circus 1952
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Simplicissimus 1913 by Lendecke Dance scene on linen original
Le Roman d'un Tricheur by Raymond Savignac Cannes Film Festival
Cirage Jaquot by Lucien Lefevre FOR LES AFFICHES ILLUSTREES 1896 Stone Litho
Harpers by Penfield for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Festival d'Automne a Paris 1991 Jasper Johns original
Cesenatico by Giovanni Guerrini 1927 rare Italian travel
The dance, Fasching 1913 by Kainer on linen original
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1934
Celtique Cigarettes by Rene Vincent c1925 on linen original french poster
OLYMPIA BY PAL MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Simplicissimus 1913 by Lendecke Karneval im Suden on linen original
Paris Festival de Jazz 1989 by Robert Combas original serigraphie