The coat motif in this early painting by Bacon is similar to its predecessor, Figure Study I. Here though; we see a deformed, screaming figure emerging from underneath. When Figure I and II were first shown in London, they were known as Study for the Human Figure at the Cross II and The Magdalene. Bacon used the Crucifixion frequently in his early work because of its powerfully emotive language and imagery. The gaping mouth of the screaming figure in the painting is the first image of personal anguish to appear in Bacon’s work.