His artistic output is defined by his focus on Neoclassicism and the documentation of the Royal Collections. He produced the Recueil d'antiquités, a series that catalogued Egyptian and Roman objects alongside Etruscan finds. His etchings record the physical properties of these items. He avoided the ornate styles common in the Rococo era. Caylus also wrote biographies of contemporary artists such as Antoine Watteau and Edme Bouchardon. His work at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture helped establish new rules for artistic training.

These prints appeal to the modern eye because of their stark, architectural quality. The compositions are balanced and clear. They reflect a transition toward scientific observation in art. Collectors often choose these works for their neutral palettes and historical subject matter. They bring a sense of intellectual curiosity to a room. The monochromatic nature of his etchings makes them versatile for various wall colours.