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.













Chemin de Fer du Nord Pierrefonds son Chateau J Aubry c1930
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
Campari Soda by Giovanni Mingozzi 1950 original vintage poster on linen
K Puppo Gitanes Serigraphie 1991 on heavy paper original french poster
Willi’s Wine Bar – Sophie Herxheimer, 1997 (on watercolor paper)
Figaro Illustre cavalry by Edouard Detaille 1898 on linen
Voyage to the Centre of the Earth Viaggio al Centro della Terra
Engagez Vous dans la Cavalerie by Georges Scott 1929
Benedictine Liqueur by Javier Mariscals 1990 original FRENCH poster
Henri de Toulouse Lautrec Au Cirque Images of The Circus 1952
London County & Westminster 5e Emprunt Firmin Bouisset
Les Arts 5 by Jules Cheret Les Affiches Illustrees by Chaix Imprimerie 1896 original stone lithographic plate
Trento by Silvestri c1930 Enit Italian travel poster
Disque Bleu Cigarettes by Favre c 1950 on linen original french poster
Armagnac Ryst by Raymond Savignac 1943c vintage poster
Jesus Jeans by Oliviero Toscani 1970 original vintage poster on linen
SCHMIDT BEER BICYCLES 1960's GO SCHMIDT'S ORIGINAL VINTAGE US POSTER
PAPIER CIGARETTES BY MEUNIER VINTAGE FRENCH POSTER MAITRE DE L'AFFICHE 1895/99
Children's books by Beardsley for Les Affiches Etrangeres 1894
Scena Illustrata Arts Literature Theatre Music 1932
Razzia La Coupole original
Mois de La Photo a Paris by Jim Dine 1998 original serigraphie
Gil Blas Theofile Steinlen c1890's Le chevalier a la fee