His style is defined by a sense of geometric clarity and orderly composition that he maintained even as the High Renaissance moved toward more fluid forms. While he adopted the atmospheric techniques of Titian and Giorgione, he never abandoned the structured approach of his mentor Giovanni Bellini. In works like The Supper at Emmaus, he used a Cloth of Honour to frame his subjects. His use of colour was equally deliberate. He often paired contrasting tones, such as yellow and purple or blue and gold, to create visual balance without relying on excessive detail.

Modern collectors are drawn to the stillness and poise of Catena's portraits and devotional panels. His paintings lack the frantic energy of later Mannerist works, offering instead a calm and intellectual atmosphere. Pieces like Judith with the Head of Holofernes or his various depictions of the Holy Family provide a sense of space and structural harmony. These qualities make his work suitable for contemporary interiors that value clean lines and a quiet, contemplative presence.