The PA Auction Center will sell several unusual 3-D diorama artworks by Abner and Aaron Zook on Friday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. The auction facility is located at 1141 Wea Wit St., East Earl, Pa.
Amish identical twins Abner (1921-2010) and Aaron Zook (1921-2003) were visual artists well known for intricate 3-D diorama art. Both were prolific workers, born in Lancaster, Pa. Abner was a member of the Schaefferstown Mennonite Church and died at 89 in Newmanstown. Aaron died at 82 in Kinzers.
Both produced highly sculptural, diorama style paintings, extremely heavy, often large, depicting Amish rural landscapes. The carved and painted details, layered landscapes, architectural elements and features are storytelling devices that capture the daily rhythms of rural Pennsylvania life. Their artistic legacy continues through family members and other regional folk artists, forming a recognizable body of late 20th- and early 21st-century American folk art.
For collectors, the work speaks to both craftsmanship and heritage. Notable examples in the sale include an Abner Zook winter covered bridge with blacklight (1986), country farm market (1990), and Roman chariot race scene (1976). Works by Aaron Zook include a vertical oriented diorama titled “Train Ride” (1996) and a winter sleigh ride scene (1988), among others.
To contact PA Auction Center, call 717-687-7018.