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.













Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Schmerzlotes Berfahren on linen original
Title Lido Gala Revue – Pourquoi Pas! Nouvelle Version de Pourquoi Pas Rene Gruau
KUNST ANSTALT BY FISCHER DAS MODERNE PLAKAT 1897
Brides Les Bains by Taconville c 1900
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Deuxieme expo by Donnay for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Razzia Pret a Porter Feminin 1981 original poster for Fashion Week Paris
Sarajevo Olympics by Mujezonovic 1984 Ski Jump
Grand Prix Monaco Steve Carpenter 1979 original printing for the Race
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
Digne Les Bains PLM 1900 by Mariaud
LA LOIE FULLER BY CHERET for Les Affiches Illustrees 1896
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Job Cigarettes by Gervais c1890's original french poster
Harpers May by Penfield for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Figaro Illustre lac Leman 1898 on linen
Loterie Nationale Tenete Votre Chance 1939 by Del Ry original french poster
Morning journal by Rhead for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Agent provocateur on linen original
Figaro Illustre Le trottin de Paris by Lemeunier 1898 on linen
Figaro Illustre girl flute by Deleftwich 1898 on linen
Exposition Daumier Honore Daumier at the Orangerie Paris 1934 original litho on linen
Disque Bleu Cigarettes by Favre c 1950 on linen original french poster
Simplicissimus 1913 by Woelf Window scene on linen original
Figaro Illustre egg girl by Kaemmerer 1898 on linen
Simplicissimus 1913 by Lendecke Schoner Winter on linen original
Moulin rouge Frou Frou poster by Rene Gruau on linen
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
La Lettura by Marcello Dudovich 1910 Monthly Journal
ORIGINAL VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER LE DEPART BY COLIN ESTAMPE MODERNE 1897
COTE D'IVOIRE ELEPHANT AFRICA TRAVEL POSTER BY DESSIRIER 1950
Jacobs Ladder by Marc Chagall 1977 vintage French Galerie Maeght
Yves Brayer exhibition in Aix en Provence 1979 on linen
1890's Auto poster by Spahn 1900 ORIGINAL VINTAGE POSTER
Pour l'art by Ottevaere for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Quiberon Morbihan by Symonnol c1930
Loterie Nationale Arts Menagers 1938 by Derouet original french poster
Aquarium du Trocadero by Eric for the Ville de Paris c1950