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.













CIRQUE ROYAL BY MEUNIER MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
Chapeau de Paille D'Italie by Herve Dirosa 1993 original serigraphie
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Boudoir on linen original
Henri de Toulouse Lautrec Au Cirque Images of The Circus 1952
Biere Allary by Jean D'Ylen 1920 original vintage poster on carton
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Der Drazedenzfall on linen original
Polichinelle by Dillon for L'Estampe Moderne 1897 original plate
Henri de Toulouse Lautrec Au Cirque Images of The Circus 1952
Danseuse Creole Nice Cote D'Azur by Henri Matisse 1965
GIVE & TAKE BY WHITELAW DAS MODERNE PLAKAT 1897
Sestrieres Ski poster 1950/78 by Gino Boccasile original
LMS Bestway by AM Cassandre ORIGINAL VINTAGE FRENCH TRAVEL POSTER
Grand Theatre de l'exposition by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Garden by Eugene Grasset 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Bitter Campari by Adolfo Hohenstein 1910 original Italian poster
Morning journal by Rhead for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Quiberon Morbihan by Symonnol c1930
Festival de Jazz de Paris 1993
Pasta Combattenti poster 1950 by Gino Boccasile original vintage poster on linen
Santo Stefano d'Aveto Ski poster by Mario Puppo 1955c
Lido Grand Prix poster by Rene Gruau on linen 1964 original
ANDY WARHOL "Warhol Unlimited" 2016 ORIGINAL VINTAGE POP ART POSTER ON LINEN
Harpers May by Penfield for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Aquarium du Trocadero by Eric for the Ville de Paris c1950