His work often blends topographical accuracy with pure fantasy. In works like "Fantasiegezicht op een stad op een hoge rivieroever," he combines observed Dutch architecture with dramatic, vertical terrain that does not exist in the Netherlands. Battem frequently returned to the theme of winter, populating frozen canals with figures engaged in ice sports. His compositions are defined by a clear sense of atmospheric perspective and a preference for cool, silvery light. He avoided the heavy, dark palettes of the earlier Baroque period, opting instead for clarity and precise draughtsmanship.

Modern collectors value Battem for his ability to capture specific weather conditions and seasonal shifts. His "Berglandschap met aankomende storm" shows a technical interest in the physical properties of clouds and wind. These works provide a window into the leisure activities and natural environments of the seventeenth century without the overly formal tone of large-scale history paintings. Because his works were often intended for the home rather than public buildings, they possess an intimate scale that suits contemporary interior spaces.