The artist balanced his interest in urban spaces with formal portraiture. He produced likenesses of figures such as Taco Roorda and Pope Gregory XVI. These works demonstrate a focus on character and status. Backer used a controlled technique that favoured clarity over expressive brushwork. This approach allowed him to capture the specific details of clothing and facial features with accuracy.

Modern collectors find value in the historical documentation provided by these prints. The architectural views offer a direct connection to 19th-century Dutch urbanism. His portraits provide a sense of the intellectual and religious figures of his era. These images suit interiors that value historical context and clean compositions. The work provides a quiet look at a specific period in European history.