An exquisite painting on tin depicting an 18th century harbor is detailed with scenes of ships in the distance, village buildings, streets and people appears in the background of a large framed box with dimensionally-sculpted carton architectural buildings, waves, ship and other features arranged in the foreground. The buildings include a clock tower with an actual porcelain faced clock, windmill, and typical village edifices. Movements: the windmill turns, the waterfall spins, the boat rocks back and forth, the waves move. The tableau mecanique combined the artistry of the painter with the mechanicals skill of the clock, automaton and music box makers in an ingenious series of works whose rarity and cost rendered them accessible to only the privileged few in mid-19th century society. The finest pieces, such as this one, include superb painting, along with clock, movements, and music. France, Maker Unknown, circa 1860. 39" x 28" (99 x 74 cm). Four movements. Two tunes.