William Samuel Horton is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in American Impressionism. Best known for his luminous Monetesque sunrises and sunsets, Swiss Alpine vistas, New York cityscapes and Norwegian fjord scenes, Horton’s distinctive use of light and colour places him firmly among the most admired American artists of his era.
In our upcoming auction on 29 June, we are proud to offer 16 radiant pastels from the estate of the artist. Rarely seen at market and held privately since his death, these vivid works on paper showcase Horton’s exceptional skill as a colourist and his unique mastery of pastel technique.
Born into a wealthy American family, W.S. Horton left home in 1883 to study at the Art Institute of Chicago and later at the Art Students League of New York. In 1892, he married New York socialite Carlotta Lorrie Gray and the following year the couple relocated to Europe.
After a period in Holland, Horton settled in Paris where he enrolled at the Académie Julian. His time in Paris proved decisive in shaping his artistic style. While in the French capital, he formed close associations with prominent Impressionist artists including James McNeill Whistler, Camille Pissarro, Edgar Degas and Claude Monet, whose influence is particularly visible in Horton’s treatment of light and atmosphere.
In 1918, Horton moved to England while continuing to travel and paint across Europe. He developed a personal style rooted in the Impressionist tradition, frequently returning to the same scene or subject at different times of day to explore changing light conditions, a method made famous by Monet.
Notable examples include his 1934 pastels capturing the dramatic skies over Norway’s coastal fjords and mountainous terrain, as well as his celebrated New York cityscapes from the 1920s, depicting landmarks such as the Ritz and Heckscher Towers. His snowy Alpine views, richly atmospheric and filled with movement, further exemplify his command of the pastel medium.
In 1935, Horton journeyed across Asia, visiting China, Singapore, India and Indonesia, producing sketches and paintings even while aboard ships, further testament to his dedication and drive.
Despite his prolific output, William Samuel Horton sold very few of his works during his lifetime. Upon his death in 1936, he left over 1,000 paintings, drawings and pastels to his son, William Gray Horton, who organised a major retrospective at the Galerie Charpentier in Paris in 1939. The exhibition included an appreciation by the influential critic Louis Vauxcelles, who recognised Horton’s contribution to the Impressionist movement.
Today, Horton’s works are held in prominent public collections, including the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée National d'Art Moderne in Paris, and the National Museum in Stockholm.
If you own a painting or pastel in the Impressionist style and would like to know its current market value, our specialist team would be delighted to assist.
pictures@chiswickauctions.co.uk
Or simply submit an online valuation today.