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.













 Children's books by Beardsley for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Children's books by Beardsley for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894						 Lemans 1964 poster by Thivillier 24 heures du Mans rare
Lemans 1964 poster by Thivillier 24 heures du Mans rare						 ABA Swedish Air Lines to the Orient by Olle Svenson RARE early Israel
ABA Swedish Air Lines to the Orient by Olle Svenson RARE early Israel						 Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Bei der Gegelregatta on linen original
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich Bei der Gegelregatta on linen original						 Pour le dernier quart d'heure banque nationale de credit emprunt SEM 1917
Pour le dernier quart d'heure banque nationale de credit emprunt SEM 1917						 Cosulich Line 1939 by A Dondoli VINTAGE ORIGINAL Italian POSTER
Cosulich Line 1939 by A Dondoli VINTAGE ORIGINAL Italian POSTER						 Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932						 Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich St Moritz on linen original
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich St Moritz on linen original						 Quiberon Morbihan by Symonnol c1930
Quiberon Morbihan by Symonnol c1930						 Danse by Rassenfosse for L'Estampe Moderne 1897 original plate
Danse by Rassenfosse for L'Estampe Moderne 1897 original plate						 Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1900
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1900						 Oberland Bernois Ski poster Hans Falk 1949 28 x 39 inch original
Oberland Bernois Ski poster Hans Falk 1949 28 x 39 inch original						 Yves Brayer exhibition in Aix en Provence 1979 on linen
Yves Brayer exhibition in Aix en Provence 1979 on linen						 Lido Bravissimo poster by Rene Gruau on linen
Lido Bravissimo poster by Rene Gruau on linen