History Painting is a term used to describe paintings that focus on a serious narrative or include exemplary actions. In this sense the word history relates to the Italian istoria (narrative or story). History painting is not necessarily an accurate or documentary description of actual events.
Such works are often large in scale. Their subjects derive from the Bible, mythology, secular literature, or historical events. They can also be allegorical.
From about the sixteenth century, history painting was viewed as the noblest form of European art. Landscapes, portraits, and still lifes were considered to be less important. In many countries, the making of a history painting was the culmination of an academic painter's training.