Louis Gabriel I Moreau (Paris, 1740 - 1806) "Tour de Nesle" Oil miniature. Signed. 10,5 x 16 cm. Frame measurements: 13,5 x 18,5 cm. The Tour de Nesle, was built by Philip II in the early 13th century on the left bank of the Seine. It was one of the towers located on the edge of the former Paris city wall (wall of Philip II). Opposite, on the other side of the river, was its twin on the side of the Louvre gate. Long iron chains were hung between both, to block ships from entering during the night. A large lamp, as we see in this painting, lighted up the Seine and its surroundings, and until the 15th century it was one of the few points of light that existed in the streets of Paris. The tower was destroyed between 1663 and 1665 to build the Mazarin Library. Moréau appears to have been inspired by the engraving "Le Pont-Neuf et la tour de Nesle" by Jacques CALLOT (1592-1635) which is kept in the National Library in Paris