History Painting refers to a particular genre in painting which gives significance to the subject matter rather than its artistic style. The paintings usually depict the noble deeds and struggles of saints, divinities and mythological heroes. The term ‘History Painting’ is derived from the Latin and Italian word ‘historia’ meaning story painting. Traditionally, History Painting was regarded as the highest form of Western Painting which secured a vital position in the hierarchy of genres. Such paintings are also considered equivalent to an epic in literature.