[Python] Matplotlib save cropped Image with patches, not figure

I want to save a cropped picture from matplotlib. The cropped patch is a circle, so I want to have a picture in a circle saved to explorer.

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import matplotlib.cbook as cbook
import matplotlib.patches as patches

with cbook.get_sample_data('grace_hopper.jpg') as image_file:
image = plt.imread(image_file)

fig, ax = plt.subplots()
im = ax.imshow(image)
patch = patches.Circle((260, 200), radius=200, transform=ax.transData)
im.set_clip_path(patch)

ax.axis('off')
plt.show()


What I expect is:

• the round patch with the picture in it, without some white space around the circe patch.

• Outside the patch ther could also be a transperancy area.

• What I get is this:

Anyone any suggestions?

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