His approach favoured domestic realism over idealised scenes. In works like Processie in de deuropening van een kerk, he used architectural frames to organise his compositions. He often placed figures in doorways or sheds to control the fall of light. Man en jongetje etend in een schuur demonstrates his ability to find dignity in simple acts. He avoided the heavy ornamentation common in academic painting of the time.

Modern collectors find value in the honesty of his subjects. His paintings provide a clear view of life in the nineteenth century without unnecessary drama. Pieces such as Zieke man krijgt te drinken show a directness that fits well in contemporary homes. The small scale of his genre scenes makes them suitable for gallery walls. His work remains a document of Dutch social history.