HENRI BONNART (French, 1642-1711). Le Roy d'Lissinie (The King of Assinie), depicting Louis Aniaba, Engraving titled Le Roy d'Lissinie (The King of Assinie), depicting Louis Aniaba, a figure from the late 17th century. Aniaba was a prince from the Assinie kingdom (modern-day Ivory Coast) who was sent to France in 1687 as a hostage to secure a trade alliance. In France, he was treated as an aristocrat, converted to Catholicism, and became the godson of King Louis XIV. The text below the image describes his education in France and his return to his homeland to assume the throne. The text bellow translated: "The King of Assinie. Louis Aniaba, Prince of Assinie, royalty of the Gold Coast in Africa, after having been educated in France, in the tenets of the true Religion by the care of King Louis the Great, who had him learn all the necessary knowledge suitable for a Prince, was recalled by his subjects in the year [blank] to be raised to the throne. Before leaving France, he instituted the Order of the Star, and consecrated a painting as a monument to his promise before the Altar of the Virgin, in the Cathedral Church of Paris. " The hand-written text at the base of the image reads: "Et il se retourna e sa Religion peu de tems apres son etablissement en ses Etats" which rougly translates to: "And he returned to his Religion a short time after his establishment in his States." Unframed. Not mounted or laid down. - Image: 9.5 x 7 inches; sheet: 14 x 9.75 inches Estimate $150-250
