Hilverdink focused on the interaction between water and light. His maritime scenes, such as Na de Storm and Schip met gestreken zeil op een rivier, use a muted colour palette to capture atmospheric conditions. He avoided the dramatic exaggerations of earlier Romanticism. Instead, he preferred a realistic depiction of Dutch life and scenery. This is visible in works like Gezicht op de Amstel and Boerderij en aanlegplaats bij een rivier. His compositions often include small figures to provide a sense of scale against the natural environment.

Modern collectors value Hilverdink for his quiet compositions. His paintings provide a sense of calm through their balanced structure and soft lighting. Works like Rivierlandschap met ruïne van kasteel offer a historical perspective without feeling dated. These prints suit contemporary interiors because they use neutral tones and clear subjects. His ability to record the details of nineteenth-century Dutch life makes his art a window into a specific historical period.