His artistic approach combined technical precision with a softer, more accessible sensibility. In portraits such as Sophie Crouzet, Hersent prioritised the character of the sitter over rigid formality. His genre scenes, like The Cobbler, demonstrate an interest in the lives of ordinary people. Works such as The Hermit and The Fiancée of the King of Garbe show his skill in narrative painting. His drawings, including the Study for "The Death of Xavier Bichat", reveal his disciplined study of anatomy.

Modern collectors appreciate Hersent for his ability to blend historical tradition with personal intimacy. His paintings offer a calm aesthetic that fits well in domestic spaces. Unlike the more aggressive styles of the Romantic era, Hersent’s work maintains a sense of order and clarity. His prints provide a connection to the refined tastes of nineteenth-century France. The balance of realism and sentiment makes his work a versatile choice for contemporary interiors.