Why was it important for art to be painted realistically before pothography was invented?

Before Photography was invented, realistic painting was crucial as it served as the primary means of capturing and preserving likenesses of people, places, and events. Art was often used to document history, convey social status, and express cultural values, making accuracy in representation essential. Realism in art allowed viewers to connect emotionally with the subject matter, providing a visual narrative that photography would later fulfill. Thus, realistic painting played a vital role in human expression and storytelling before the advent of photographic technology.