He did many etchings and aquatints, often taking gum trees for his subjects, but it was some time before his work became known in the eastern states.

He resigned in January 1926 after interference by Sir William Sowden, president of the Gallery's board, in the hanging of what Van Raalte considered "bad art".

[2] Except for occasional fits of depression van Raalte was apparently in good health, and it was intended that he should hold an exhibition of his work at Adelaide about the end of 1929.

On 4 November of that year he was found in the grounds of his house shot through the head, and he died on the same day, leaving a widow and three sons.

[2] Van Raalte Place, in the Canberra suburb of Conder, is named in his honour.