Bauer focused on specific details within grand spaces. His watercolours of the Notre-Dame interior or the clocks in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs avoid common tourist perspectives. He used a muted palette and precise lines to capture the stillness of these environments. His work was part of the Dutch Tachtigers movement. This group prioritised personal emotion and direct observation over the rigid rules of academic tradition. He often chose to depict the quiet corners of monuments rather than their famous facades.

Collectors today value Bauer for his technical accuracy and his ability to make large public spaces feel private. His drawings provide a sense of order. These prints suit contemporary homes that require a balance of historical detail and clean composition. His work offers a quiet view of European history. He is a notable choice for those who collect architectural art.