Lord Goodman in his Yellow Pyjamas 1987

Lucian Freud etched "Lord Goodman in his Yellow Pyjamas," capturing the visage of a man who held significant power as a lawyer and public servant in post-war Britain. Freud, born in Berlin and grandson of Sigmund Freud, was deeply impacted by the rise of Nazism, leading his family to resettle in London. Freud’s portraits often reveal an unflinching gaze, stripping bare the human form and psyche, regardless of social standing. Here, Goodman is rendered with meticulous lines that map the contours of his face. Freud’s focus is not on idealizing the sitter but on an intimate, often discomforting, exposure of character. The choice of attire and the directness of the gaze suggests a negotiation of vulnerability and power. The yellow pyjamas, an intimate piece of clothing, contrast with Goodman’s public persona, inviting us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity and the layers we all inhabit.