Martino Family of Painters

The Philadelphia Martino family of painters is one of the most remarkable artistic dynasties in American regional art. Originating in South Philadelphia in the early 20th century, the family produced multiple generations of painters whose work documented the landscapes and neighborhoods of the Philadelphia region.

The first generation consisted of eight siblings, the children of Italian immigrants, many of whom became artists under the guidance of their eldest brother, Frank Martino, who established Martino Studios, a commercial art studio in Philadelphia in the late 1920s. Among the most prominent members were Antonio Pietro Martino (1902–1988) and Giovanni Martino (1908–1997), both nationally recognized painters. Their paintings often depict the industrial hillsides of Manayunk, the Delaware River valley, and Bucks County landscapes.

The Martinos were strongly associated with Philadelphia’s long tradition of plein-air landscape painting. Early in their careers, Antonio and Giovanni frequently painted outdoors along the Delaware River and near New Hope. Giovanni's wife, Eva, was also a professional artist, earning over 60 awards and a Gold Medal at the Audubon Artists of America, NYC.

A second generation continued the family’s artistic legacy. Painters such as Nina F. Martino and Babette Martino—the daughters of Giovanni and Eva—developed their own careers while maintaining the family’s focus on landscape and urban scenes of the Philadelphia region. Nina and Babette collectively earned more than 160 awards for their work. Babette was also granted a coveted Pew fellowship.  

The Martino family of painters exhibited widely in regional and national venues, including museums and galleries throughout the United States. Their work collectively forms an important visual record of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, rivers, and surrounding countryside, making the Martinos one of the city’s most enduring artistic families.