#5 • Reading PA Train Station Mixed Media 3-D Black Light Painting by Abner Zook, 1986

Part of 03/13/26 Aaron & Abner Zook Artwork Auction (live auction by PA Auction Center)

High bid $17,500.00

Status: Sold

This extraordinary three-dimensional diorama, signed and dated 1986, is an exceptional work by Abner Zook. This diorama represents Abner Zook at his most ambitious, combining architectural modeling, carved figures, mixed media, and finely detailed painting into a sweeping historical tableau. The scene centers on a vibrant railroad depot, complete with a brilliantly colored steam locomotive, wooden passenger coaches, and bustling activity along the station platform. To the left, a horse-drawn wagon crosses a bridge toward the depot, while figures gather near the tracks; each individually carved and painted with the precision that defines Zook’s artistry. The surrounding countryside extends into a picturesque valley featuring a church with steeple and distant farm structures set among rolling hills, sculpted autumn-hued trees rendered with textured foliage, carefully modeled terrain, railbeds, and stonework, and Zook’s signature architectural detailing in the depot, including rooflines, siding, porches, and windows. A defining highlight of this piece is its internal black light which, when lit, transforms the diorama into a glowing nighttime tableau. The windows of the depot and surrounding structures emit a warm, amber light, while the background sky shifts into a serene moonlit scene; an enchanting feature found only in Zook’s most elaborate and coveted works. Presented in its original substantial hardwood frame, the piece displays with tremendous presence and museum-quality impact. The combination of panoramic scale, sculptural depth, historical narrative, and functioning illumination makes this 1986 diorama one of the most impressive forms of Zook’s craftsmanship. A masterful and highly collectible work, this illuminated railroad station diorama stands as a testament to Abner Zook’s unparalleled ability to merge artistry, historical storytelling, and three-dimensional construction. Dimensions: 48.5" x 32.25" x 7"D