Within a fine gilded gesso over carved wooden frame is a dimensional scene featuring a European village with towers and homes centering an inland channel, with painted sky and ocean in the background. The village is sculpted of paper mache and oil-painted in a realistic manner that enhances the dimensional construction. There is a railroad bridge connecting the two sides of the village, a windmill perched atop the town, and a large ship a-sea on the channel. A fine small clockwork motor drives the animations, and is pull-string wound.
Movements: The ship rocks back and forth in the stormy sea, and the windmill turns. The bridge activity is unusual: first, a train crosses the bridge, and then a group of people walk over the bridge. There is a two air musical movement.
Historical References: Although unsigned, the piece is typical of the early works of Tharin. The petite size is unusual, yet the animation is most appealing, and the scene is rich and full of detail and dimension. Circa 1865.