L'art pompier (literally 'fireman art') or style pompier is a derisive late-19th century French term for large 'official' academic art paintings of the time, especially historical or allegorical ones.
"Fireman art" or "style pompier" was a pejorative label applied to grand, formal paintings that were considered overly academic and often depicted historical or allegorical subjects. This term reflects the perceived lack of artistic merit in these works.