His approach to portraiture was defined by a rejection of unnecessary ornamentation. He preferred to focus on the facial features and the character of the sitter. The use of stipple engraving gave his prints a textured quality that was rare for the late 18th century. His work captures the transition from the theatricality of earlier styles to the restrained realism of the Enlightenment. Each print demonstrates his technical precision in handling light and shadow on paper.

Modern collectors value Schlotterbeck for his ability to document the faces of the German Enlightenment with clarity. These prints work well in a home office or a quiet study. The monochrome palette avoids distracting colour, focusing instead on form and character. His portraits of fellow artists and thinkers remain relevant for those who appreciate the intersection of art and intellectual history.