The term “French School” is used to describe works produced by artists active in France, particularly when the identity of the artist is unknown, uncertain or not fully documented. In auction catalogues, the designation is commonly applied to paintings, drawings and other works that can be associated stylistically, geographically or historically with French artistic traditions, but which cannot be securely attributed to a named artist.

Works catalogued as French School may reflect the influence of major artistic movements and periods in France, including academic painting, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism or early modernism. Depending on the subject and date, they may include portraits, landscapes, still lifes, genre scenes, historical subjects or decorative compositions.

The attribution indicates that the work belongs to, or is closely connected with, the French artistic tradition. Such works are often appreciated for their aesthetic quality, historical interest and association with one of Europe’s most influential centres of artistic production.