diff --git a/src/pgtkterm.c b/src/pgtkterm.c
index f67d5098da3..00381671f21 100644
--- a/src/pgtkterm.c
+++ b/src/pgtkterm.c
@@ -3770,6 +3770,8 @@ pgtk_flash (struct frame *f)
 
 #undef XFillRectangle
     }
+
+    cairo_destroy (cr);
   }
 
   unblock_input ();