The artist avoided the habit of idealising his subjects. He preferred a literal interpretation of personality based on close observation. When he painted Gluck, he included the composer's pockmarked skin and upturned face. This approach captured a moment of musical inspiration rather than a static pose. His work on the Benjamin Franklin portrait followed a similar path. He recorded the statesman with a sense of honesty that made the image a standard likeness of the American figure. He used light to draw attention to the face and character of the sitter.

Modern collectors value the directness of these portraits. The lack of artificial polish makes the subjects feel accessible and real. These works do not rely on heavy symbolism or complex backgrounds to convey status. Instead, they focus on the individual. A print of a Duplessis portrait brings a sense of history and presence to a room. The clear lines and natural colours suit a variety of interior styles. His ability to record the human face with such accuracy remains impressive today.