The 1940s marked a significant period in Adolph Gottlieb's career, a time when he began to establish the distinctive style that would place him among the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism. During this decade, his work underwent profound transformations, reflecting his evolving artistic philosophy and response to the tumultuous global context of World War II. In the early 1940s, Gottlieb and Mark Rothko, another key figure in the development of Abstract Expressionism, engaged in intense dialogues about the direction of contemporary art. These discussions would lead to profound changes in their work, steering them towards the abstraction that would later define their careers. Gottlieb, in particular, began to experiment with what would become known as his Pictograph series. These paintings were characterized by grid-like compositions containing symbols and forms that drew on primitive art, personal symbolism, and unconscious imagery. This new direction was Gottlieb's way of grappling with the chaos and destruction of the war years, attempting to find a form of expression that could convey the complexity of human experience during such a time​ (Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Foundation)​. By 1941, Gottlieb had fully embarked on the Pictograph series, exploring themes of myth and symbolism that would remain central to his work for much of the decade. He aimed to create a universal language of art that could communicate across cultural and temporal divides. This ambition was aligned with the broader goals of the Abstract Expressionist movement, which sought to express profound emotional and existential truths through abstraction​ (Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Foundation)​​ (Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Foundation)​. Gottlieb's work during the 1940s was not only a personal exploration but also part of a larger debate among American artists about the role of art in a world beset by war and existential threats. Through his paintings, Gottlieb argued for the power of abstract imagery to convey emotional depth and universal human experiences, challenging the prevailing notions of realism and representation in art​ (Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Foundation)​. Throughout the 1940s, Gottlieb continued to refine his approach, moving increasingly towards the abstraction that would define his contribution to American art. His explorations of color, form, and symbolism during this decade laid the groundwork for his later Burst paintings and solidified his place in the pantheon of Abstract Expressionists. The innovations and ideas he developed during the 1940s not only marked a significant phase in his own artistic journey but also contributed to the broader evolution of modern art in the United States.