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 by Kainer Holfballett on linen original
Maquettes animées by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
FETE DE CHARITE BY CHERET MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Bitter Campari by Leonetto Cappiello 1921 original Italian poster RARE VERSION
CENTENAIRE DE LA DECOUVERTE BY HOHENSTEIN MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Cirage Jaquot by Lucien Lefevre FOR LES AFFICHES ILLUSTREES 1896 Stone Litho
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1900
When hearts by Bradley for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Simplicissimus 1913 by Kainer Polo Sport on linen original
CHAMPAGNE CASTELLANE by Leonetto Cappiello 1980
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music by Giuseppe Anichini 1900
Grande Kermesse Charite by Leonetto Cappiello 1903 Paris Concerts, Theatre
Coulisses de l'opera by Cheret for Les Affiches Illustrees 1896
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1900
Je Vous Ecris Fiest l'Estampe by Jean Michel Folon original serigraphie 1986
Simplicissimus 1913 Marcello Dudovich St Moritz on linen original
Chap book by Bradley for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Simplicissimus by Heine for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music by Giuseppe Anichini 1900
Jean Tinguely – Odalisque #2 (1989) Workshop Proof Silkscreen on Arches
La petite poucette by Montel 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
La gomme by Cheret 1894 for Les Affiches Illustrees
Francis Bacon Feria Nimes 1969/1992 original serigraphie
Sascha Maurer – Gregg Skis (c.1950s) Original Ski Advertising Poster – 21.25 × 31.5 in.
Aquarium du Trocadero by Eric for the Ville de Paris c1950