Q: iPhoto library has disappeared from time machine

i recently got a new iMac and am trying to restore my iPhoto library from time capsule on an external hard drive.  my previous macbook with the original library was stolen so the external drive is my only hope of recovering years of photos. 

i have tried going into time machine and restoring the iPhoto library.  iPhoto shows several of my albums but zero photos.  i have tried looking for the masters file but it appears empty.  both times, the file size is significant though nothing appears.  i am not sure what else to try.