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.













Isle Adam Sa Plage by A Heurlier 1949
Festival de Jazz de Paris 1993
Lido Grand Jeu poster by Rene Gruau
Soir d'Octobre by Ernest Laurent for L'Estampe Moderne 1897 original plate
Ouverture Porte Saint Pierre Rome 1924 PLM
Sestrieres Ski poster 1950/78 by Gino Boccasile original
Razzia Louis Vuitton Bagatelle 1998 original hand signed original lg
Figaro Illustre cavalry by Edouard Detaille 1898 on linen
LMS Bestway by AM Cassandre ORIGINAL VINTAGE FRENCH TRAVEL POSTER
Paris Courses by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Henri de Toulouse Lautrec Au Cirque Images of The Circus 1952
ARTEMIS BY A DONNAY for L'Estampe Moderne 1897 original plate
ORIGINAL VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER UN MARCHE EN ZELANDE BY PIET ESTAMPE MODERNE 1897
ANDANTE NOCTURNE BY GORGUET VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER ESTAMPE MODERNE 1897
Albine by Artigue for L'Estampe Moderne 1897 original plate
LIPPINCOTT'S BY CARQUEVILLE MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
PALAIS DE L'INDUSTRIE BY CHERET MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Cirage Jaquot by Lucien Lefevre FOR LES AFFICHES ILLUSTREES 1896 Stone Litho
Lido Quelle Nuit poster by Rene Gruau on linen 1964 original
SALON DES CENT BY GOTTLOB VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
The sun by Rhead for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Je Vous Ecris Fiest l'Estampe by Jean Michel Folon original serigraphie 1986