Louis Gueymard (1822–1880) as Robert le Diable

Louis Gueymard (1822–1880) as Robert le Diable is an oil on canvas painting created by Gustave Courbet in 1857. This powerful work captures the celebrated French operatic tenor Louis Gueymard during a pivotal era for Parisian culture. Gueymard is depicted in the dramatic costume of Robert, the titular hero of Giacomo Meyerbeer's hugely popular 1831 grand opera, Robert le Diable. The painting functions simultaneously as a formal portrait and a character study, bridging the gap between historical acting traditions and Courbet's burgeoning commitment to Realism.

Courbet employs the oil medium with characteristic vigor, focusing on the texture of the actor’s dark stage apparel and the intense, focused expression of the leading man. While the painting clearly documents the face and figure of one of the era's most recognizable actors, Courbet avoids romanticizing the sitter, instead presenting the individual with a clarity typical of his mature style. The subject falls within a significant category of 19th-century French art dedicated to portraying the lives and professional roles of contemporary men, particularly those involved in the performing arts.

This dramatic portrayal demonstrates Courbet's skillful execution of large-scale portraits that maintain psychological intensity. The canvas, dated 1857, resides today in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its historical and artistic significance, the work is frequently referenced, and images of this important painting are often available through public domain sources, allowing students and enthusiasts access to high-quality prints for study.