His approach relied on direct observation and a rejection of idealised beauty. In works such as The Sheaf Bearer and Girl wearing a Straw Hat, he recorded figures in unposed moments. He used watercolour to capture the specific grey light of the Alps. His studies of hands and seated figures demonstrate a clear interest in human anatomy. He did not paint grand battles or myths. He focused on the daily tasks of the peasantry and the quiet details of the Swiss surroundings.

His art remains popular because it lacks the pretension of many nineteenth-century works. The drawings have a candid quality that feels modern. Collectors often choose his sketches for their clean lines and muted colour palettes. Pieces like Study of a Man Seen from the Back offer a quiet, observational tone. These works provide a sense of history without the heavy ornamentation of the Neoclassical school. They fit easily into a home focused on natural textures and simple forms.