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.













Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
L'Instant Taitinger Champagne 1980 original vintage poster on linen
DANS LES COULISSES BY BOUTET VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER ESTAMPE MODERNE 1897
THE JP BY HARDY VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Corso Italia 1913 by Marcello Dudovich chromolithographic plate
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Mannequin Stolz on linen original
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music by Giuseppe Anichini 1900
1982 Grand Prix Automobile San Marino on linen by MIchael Turner
Vini Tipici Cellini Italian wine poster 1950 vintage poster
Impression d'hier by Razzia original in large size
Editeurs Sagot by Heleu 1900 original stone lithograph
L'Instant Taitinger Champagne 1980 original vintage poster on linen
Rene Gruau Rouge et Noir fashion poster on linen 1990 original
Bally by Bernard Villemot original 1979 vintage poster on linen
ORIGINAL VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER LISEUSES BY HAWKINS ESTAMPE MODERNE 1897
From The Depths Painting by Spencer Stewart 2021 Acrylic and Ink and Pure Pigments on canvas
Razzia Louis Vuitton Cup 1992 San Diego original hand signed original lg
Prep Mermaid by Erasmo Ferrante on linen original italian poster
Lido Grand Prix poster by Rene Gruau on linen 1964 original
1933 Le Mans Englebert Commemorative Poster Tazio Nuvolari and Raymond Sommer
Aquarium du Trocadero by Eric for the Ville de Paris c1950