His work is defined by a focus on historical accuracy. In his multi-volume catalogue of antiquities, Caylus prioritised the physical object over idealised beauty. He studied ancient texts by Pliny and Virgil to reconstruct the shields of Achilles and Aeneas. This archaeological method influenced the Royal Academy, where he pushed for a stricter form of classicism. His engravings of Egyptian and Mediterranean artefacts provided a systematic visual record of the ancient world for French artists.

Modern collectors value Caylus for the clarity and precision of his neoclassical style. His prints offer a direct view of the Enlightenment era's obsession with discovery. These works function as both fine art and historical documents. The clean compositions and focus on form make his engravings effective for contemporary interiors. They provide a sense of intellectual history without the clutter of later decorative styles.