His miniatures are considered exemplary of the art form in Ireland, a tradition that flourished in the 18th and early 19th centuries, especially during the Romantic period's appreciation for fine portraiture.
While his brother Adam Buck moved to London in 1795, Frederick remained in Cork, where he became well-known for his miniature portraits of military officers and other prominent figures.
[2] Frederick Buck was celebrated for his use of watercolor on ivory, a standard medium for miniatures, which allowed for vibrant color and fine detail.
His portraits are marked by a meticulous attention to facial expression, a soft color palette, and a careful rendering of the subject's attire and hair, often capturing the fashion of the period.
[4] Examples of Buck’s work can be found in the collections of the National Gallery of Ireland and the Victoria and Albert Museum, which house some of the finest Irish miniatures from the period.