The Knohl Collection contains over 260 canvases that span centuries, cross continents, and represent an array of artistic styles and art movements. With a strong focus on European masters from the 17th through the 19th century, the paintings have immeasurable historic significance and aesthetic importance. The collection can be explored by national origin (American, British, Dutch, Flemish, French, German, Austrian, and Italian masters), time period (from the 15th to the 19th century), or using a thematic approach.
The collection includes some of the most admired artists in Europe. The French component includes Jean-Georges Vibert, Paul Delaroche, Paul Marie Lenoir, Francois Xavier Fabre, Hughes Merle, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Louis-Jean-Francois Lagrenée, and Paul Emile Boutigny. Highlights in Dutch, Flemish and British art include William Powell Frith, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Thomas Kennington, Herbert James Draper, James Sant, Florent Willems, and Gerard de Lairesse. Also represented in the collection are Austrian artist Rudolf Ernst, German/American artist Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, and Italian artist Francesco Hayez.
In addition to oil paintings, the Knohls have amassed a wide selection of drawings from 15th and 16th century Continental Europe, including a preliminary sketch by Eugene Delacroix and a chalk drawing by Sir Edward Burne-Jones. A large assemblage of Russian and Greek icons is another component of the Knohl Collection.