His work belongs to the Romantic movement but avoids exaggerated drama. Salathé preferred a cool, analytical clarity. In "Waterfall Cascading Down a Mountain," he uses sharp lines to define water against solid rock. He treats architecture and nature with the same level of detail. His Swiss heritage influenced his eye for topography. He used light to define form rather than creating a mood, resulting in images that feel structured and deliberate.

Collectors value Salathé for his ability to bridge technical illustration and fine art. His prints of Paris landmarks like the "Panthéon" offer a clean, historical perspective for modern interiors. The monochrome nature of "Wooded Landscape" provides a neutral but detailed aesthetic. These pieces offer a sense of order. They appeal to those who appreciate a draughtsman who found beauty in the proportions of a building or the texture of a forest floor.