diff --git a/gtk/gtkcolorbutton.c b/gtk/gtkcolorbutton.c
index 24bb047d9a..d977081a14 100644
--- a/gtk/gtkcolorbutton.c
+++ b/gtk/gtkcolorbutton.c
@@ -315,6 +315,8 @@ expose_event (GtkWidget      *widget,
       cairo_pattern_destroy (checkered);
     }
 
+  cairo_destroy (cr);
+
   return FALSE;
 }