The Mughal emperor who shifted the emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portraits was Jahangir. He was known for his interest in painting and patronage of artists, and he encouraged the development of Mughal painting as a distinct style. Under his patronage, Mughal painting reached new heights of excellence and sophistication.

Jahangir commissioned many portraits of himself, his family, and his courtiers, as well as scenes from daily life and courtly activities. He also encouraged the development of album paintings, which were collections of paintings bound together in a book, often with calligraphic text and poetry.

Jahangir`s reign is considered a golden age of Mughal painting, and his patronage had a lasting impact on the development of the art form in India.