About Us

 

 

 

 MICHAEL FLORIO, FOUNDER and DIRECTOR

The MARITIME ARTS GALLERY was founded in 1989 by Michael Florio in his Manhattan gallery. In 1999 Michael Florio merged with the Quester Gallery, and as owner and Director, established locations in both Stonington and Greenwich, Connecticut.  The MARITIME ARTS GALLERY is currently situated in the beautiful and historic coastal village of Rowayton, Connecticut.

The gallery specializes in buying and selling museum-quality 18th through 20th century and contemporary marine art and antiques, including works by James E. Buttersworth, Antonio Jacobsen, John Stobart, Montague Dawson and other important artists. In addition, the MARITIME ARTS GALLERY specializes in naval cannons, antique arms, ship and half-models and maritime folk art encompassing carved figureheads, stern-board eagles, whaler's art and many more areas of interest.

We maintain excellent relationships with museums and institutions across the globe and are honored to count the following as clients:

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
  • The William Koch Collection
  • The Glen Foster Collection
  • The Kriegstein Collection
  • The Boston Museum of Fine Arts
  • The Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth, England
  • The Rudy Schaefer Collection
  • The Mystic Seaport Museum
  • South Street Seaport Museum
  • The United States Department of Defense 
  • The West Point Academy Museum
  • The United States Naval Museum, Annapolis
  • The United States Coast Guard Museum
  • The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England
  • The  Peabody Essex Museum
  • The Minnesota Maritime Art Museum
  • The Peter Tillou Collection
  • The Museum of the City of New York
  • The William Guthman Collection
  • The Peter Tuite Collection
  • The New York Yacht Club
  • The American Yacht Club
  • The Herreshoff Museum
  • The Museum of Yachting, Newport 
  • The Mariner's Museum, Newport News, VA
  • The Newport, RI Free Library
  • and many others

Michael Florio holds many significant world record prices for important marine painters including James E. Buttersworth, Antonio Jacobson, Jack Gray, Reynolds Beal, Montague Dawson, John Stobart and others.  

As a member of the New York Yacht Club and the New York Athletic Club, Michael achieved nine US National Rowing Championships in the single scull and achieved 1st place, single scull, in The Head of the Charles Regatta, The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, The Head of the Connecticut Regatta and a Gold Medal at the Olympic Sports Festival.

Following his Rowing activities, Michael Florio spent many rewarding years sailing traditional gaff-rigged schooners, catboats and friendship sloops, restoring and maintaining each type while studying maritime art and history. 

The MARITIME ARTS GALLERY has a discerning eye for quality and condition. We work with scholars and curators in the field to comprehensively research the works of art we handle and guarantee the authenticity of the objects we sell.

We welcome your enquiries and your visit to our Rowayton location.