Francis Bacon was one of the world's greatest post-war artists. After 1944, when he made his first triptych Studies for Three Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion, Bacon painted more than twenty triptychs. This video was shot at the Tate Gallery's exhibition of Bacon's work and focuses on the thirty-six panels that make up twelve of the major works. The images are illuminated by a sound track which is based on an interview given by Bacon himself. Artists often find it difficult to discuss their work, but here Bacon talks about his paintings with great clarity. He explores the themes of morality, realism and sexuality that always preoccupied him.