'The Rivals' — Original Oil on Canvas, Benjamin Sharp, 1974 — Flamenco Scene

A dancer caught mid-turn, her skirts alive with colour — Benjamin Sharp's 'The Rivals' captures the heat and drama of a flamenco performance with the joyful directness of naïve art at its most expressive.

DESCRIPTION:

An ideal piece for collectors of mid-20th century naïve and folk art, interior designers seeking a large-scale statement work with warmth and narrative, restaurant and hospitality buyers looking for original artwork to evoke a flamenco or tapas atmosphere, or film and TV prop buyers sourcing period-accurate original artwork for 1970s domestic or cultural interiors.

An original oil on canvas by Benjamin Sharp, signed and dated 1974, titled 'The Rivals' on the reverse. The composition depicts a flamenco dancer in full movement — red bodice, swirling pink and yellow skirts — performing beneath a series of warm stone arches. A second dancer is visible to the left; a group of musicians including a guitarist occupy the right background. Painted in a naïve figurative style — flat, expressive forms, vibrant colour and joyful energy that give the scene an immediacy and warmth rarely found in more formally trained painting. The scene is rendered in warm ochres, terracottas and golds. Signed 'Benjamin Sharp 1974' lower right on the canvas; title and signature also inscribed in red on the reverse.

Framed: H 51cm × W 67cm (H 20.1" × W 26.4")

CONDITION: In good vintage condition consistent with age. The canvas and painted surface are clean and intact — no losses to the paint layer, no tears, no restoration visible. The original frame shows minor wear consistent with its age — small paint losses and visible construction nails to the frame corners. Ready to hang.

Photographs form part of this description. Please review all images carefully as they document the piece's condition in full detail.

CURATOR'S NOTE: Selected for its energy and warmth — this is naïve figurative painting with genuine confidence and joy. The arched architecture, the spinning dancer, the musicians in the background: Sharp has composed a scene that holds your eye and rewards looking. A painting that brings life to a room — whether a curated domestic interior or the walls of a restaurant where the spirit of flamenco is already in the air.

FAQ:

What is the condition? Good vintage condition. Canvas and painted surface intact — no losses, no tears, no restoration. Frame shows minor wear and paint losses to corners consistent with age. Ready to hang. Photographs form part of this description.

What are the exact dimensions? Framed: H 51cm × W 67cm (H 20.1" × W 26.4").

Who is Benjamin Sharp? Benjamin Sharp was a painter active in the mid-20th century, working in a naïve figurative style. This work is signed and dated 1974, with the title 'The Rivals' inscribed on the reverse. No further biographical information has been established.

Suitable for film or TV prop use? Yes — an original signed oil painting, period-accurate for 1970s domestic interiors. Available for prop hire enquiries. Please contact us directly to discuss.

Suitable for restaurant or hospitality use? Yes — the flamenco and Spanish atmosphere makes this an ideal statement piece for a tapas bar, Spanish restaurant, or any hospitality space seeking original vintage artwork with warmth and character. Available for prop hire enquiries. Please contact us directly to discuss.

Do you ship internationally? Yes — Fontaine London ships worldwide. Prices shown include duties and taxes for your country (DDP — Delivered Duty Paid), so there are no surprise charges on delivery. Shipping cost is calculated at checkout.

What is your returns policy? We offer a 14-day return policy for items that do not match their description. As all pieces are one-of-a-kind vintage items, we ask buyers to review all photographs and the condition report carefully before purchasing. Photographs form part of the item description.