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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

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Study of female ballet dancers

2007
Jenny Sages

charcoal and pastel on paper (sheet: 24.5 cm x 33 cm)

Irina Baronova trained with the great Olga Preobrajenska in the Salle Wacker in Paris in the 1930s. Discovered by the renowned choreographer George Balanchine, she was soon to work with other legends including Léonide Massine and Michel Fokine. When she came to Australia in the late 1930s she created a sensation in roles such as the Queen of Shemakhan in 'Le Coq d'or', as Aurora in 'Aurora's wedding' and as 'Passion' in Massine's 'Les presages'. More than fifty years later, when she had moved to Australia and become a patron of the Australian Ballet School, she shared her unique experiences with young people in Melbourne. From that moment, they were directly connected to some of the all-time leading figures in dance. Jenny Sages was excited by the atmosphere around her friend in her professional sphere, and made many drawings for the sheer joy of being on the scene.

Caption: Sarah Engledow, National Portrait Gallery

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of J Sages Family Trust 2009
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
© Jenny Sages

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

Artist and subject

Jenny Sages (age 74 in 2007)

Subject professions

Visual arts and crafts

Donated by

Jenny Sages (27 portraits)

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

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