Homecoming: Christopher Peter, curator of the Irma Stern museum, with Ballet dancers, an oil-on-canvas work by Irma Stern, painted in 1943 which was recently returned to the museum.

The work was sold to a former mayoress of Pretoria, Lilian Solomon, who was an ardent supporter of Stern at a time when her work was not favourably received. She bought several of Stern's works directly from the artist.

Irma Stern loved ballet, and as a child expressed the desire to become a dancer.

The painting has been bought back thanks to the support of the Rowland and Leta Hill Trust and the Irma Stern Trust and will form part of an exhibition celebrating ballet.