Date : 1972
Size : 11.5 x 16 inches
Artist : André François
About the poster : This vintage poster was created as an advertisement for Le Nouvel Observateur, a French magazine known for its critical and independent journalism. The artwork, featuring a row of sheep wearing glasses and dressed in newspapers, is a striking metaphor for media conformity. It critiques mainstream information channels, suggesting they prefer passive, unquestioning readers who simply follow the herd. The slogan reinforces this idea: "Les 'grands' moyens d'information rêvent de lecteurs à leur image. Lisez plutôt Le Nouvel Observateur." ("The 'big' media outlets dream of readers in their image. Instead, read Le Nouvel Observateur.")
With its sharp satirical tone, the poster encourages readers to seek out independent, thoughtful journalism rather than blindly consuming mainstream narratives.
About the artist : André François (1915-2005) was a French illustrator, painter, and graphic designer of Hungarian origin. Renowned for his witty, satirical style, he worked across various mediums, from press cartoons to advertising and book illustration. A close collaborator of publications like Le Nouvel Observateur and The New Yorker, François used humor and sharp social commentary in his work. His bold, expressive drawings often challenged conventions, making him a key figure in 20th-century graphic art. His legacy lives on through his distinctive visual storytelling, which continues to inspire artists today.
Poster was recently linen backed.