Egg looked back to William Hogarth for inspiration, using his work to tell moral stories about Victorian society. He often painted scenes in pairs or trilogies to show the consequences of human actions. His technique involved a clear, linear style with a focus on historical accuracy. In works like The Life of Buckingham, he used specific period details to contrast the excess of a nobleman's life with his lonely death. He avoided the soft, idealised portraits common in the previous century, preferring a directness that forced viewers to confront uncomfortable social truths.

Modern collectors value Egg for his ability to capture human psychology within a domestic setting. His paintings often feature symmetrical compositions and mirrored figures that create a sense of balance around a centre. These visual patterns make his work feel structured and deliberate. The focus on storytelling through objects allows viewers to find new details upon repeated observation. His art offers a window into the Victorian mindset without the sentimentality often found in nineteenth-century prints.