#3 • Framed 3-D Roman Chariot Race by Abner Zook 1976

Part of 11/13/26 Aaron & Abner Zook Artwork Auction (timed auction by PA Auction Center)

Starting at $25.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 13, 2026 6:00 PM EST

Remarkable and unusual three-dimensional folk art shadowbox by renowned Pennsylvania artist Abner Zook, depicting a dramatic Roman chariot race at the moment of catastrophe and intense competition. Departing from his more commonly encountered Pennsylvania Dutch and rural American subjects, Zook presents an action-filled scene set within a grand classical arena. The composition captures a violent crash as one team of horses and chariot has overturned along the track while a rival team charges ahead. Spectators crowd the monumental stone viewing stand, leaning forward to witness what is unfolding. The classical architecture, statuary, and packed grandstands establish the grandeur of the ancient setting.The work showcases Zook's exceptional ability to create drama through relief and perspective. The racing horses project boldly from the surface, their forward motion intensified by the sweeping curve of the arena track that draws the viewer directly into the action. The composition is organized around a powerful contrast between control and chaos. A palette of earth tones, stone grays, warm ochres, and muted blues enhances the historical atmosphere, while the densely populated grandstands and finely detailed architectural elements provide scale and depth. The layered construction creates a sense of movement and realism, demonstrating Zook's mastery of dimensional storytelling and his ability to transform a historical subject into a vivid, theatrical narrative.