As a leading figure in the Italian Realism movement, Piccinni avoided the sentimental tropes of his contemporaries. His work focuses on the Verismo style, where the goal is a direct recording of social reality. In works like "The Miser" or his various street scenes, he uses sharp, thin lines to build volume and shadow. He often placed his figures against sparse backgrounds. This technique forces the viewer to look at the human subject without the distraction of decorative scenery.

Modern collectors value Piccinni for his unsentimental view of the past. His prints offer a stark contrast to the soft-focus nostalgia often found in nineteenth-century art. These etchings work well in contemporary interiors because of their monochromatic palette and graphic quality. His ability to find beauty in the mundane makes his work feel current. His etchings remain a standard for those who appreciate technical mastery in printmaking.