narrative painting

Art that tells a story. Narrative painting has a long tradition, some of the earliest works being found in ancient Egypt. However, its status and content have changed over the centuries. Popular trends in narrative painting have included history painting – Biblical, mythological, and historical themes, favoured from the Renaissance to the 18th century; moralizing story series such as William Hogarth's ‘A Rake's Progress’ (1735); and 19th-century anecdotal and sentimental narratives, usually depicting domestic scenes.

In narrative painting of the 19th century, the title became an important part of the artwork, often explaining the message. Examples include And When Did You Last See Your Father? by William Frederick Yeames.

By the late 19th century, narrative subjects were being rejected by the developing modern art movement, who wanted to paint scenes from everyday life.