Bellini changed European painting by: A. placing familiar religious figures in nontraditional settings. B. ignoring developments in perspective in favor of creating fantastical scenes. C. making the landscape an important part of the story told by a painting. D. moving religious symbols to the background of his compositions.

Bellini changed European painting by making the landscape an important part of the story told by a painting. This can be seen in his works such as "The Feast of the Gods" and "The Agony in the Garden" where the landscape plays a significant role in conveying the narrative. Bellini's innovative approach to incorporating the landscape into his compositions had a profound influence on later artists, particularly in the Venetian school.

While Bellini did depict religious figures in nontraditional settings in some of his works, this was not his primary contribution to European painting. Similarly, while he did incorporate fantastical elements in his paintings, he did not ignore developments in perspective. In fact, Bellini was known for his mastery of perspective and his ability to create a sense of depth and space in his compositions.

Moving religious symbols to the background of his compositions was not a characteristic of Bellini's work. He often placed religious figures and symbols in prominent positions within his paintings, emphasizing their importance.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. making the landscape an important part of the story told by a painting.