Yes, picturesque narratives are considered predecessors of the novel. These narratives, which gained popularity in the 18th century, focused on detailed descriptions of landscapes and scenery, often incorporating elements of travel and personal experience. They helped pave the way for the development of the novel by:

• Developing descriptive techniques: Picturesque narratives emphasized vivid and detailed descriptions, which influenced the novel's ability to create immersive settings.
• Exploring personal perspectives: They often featured a narrator who reflected on their experiences and observations, contributing to the development of character-driven narratives in novels.
• Popularizing travel and adventure themes: The focus on travel and exploration in picturesque narratives helped establish these themes as popular subjects in later novels.

While not novels in the modern sense, their influence on the development of descriptive writing, character development, and thematic exploration makes them significant predecessors of the novel.

For more information, you can refer to:

• Wikipedia article on the Picturesque