diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_cairo.py b/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_cairo.py
index 59569821f23a..c5f8703a6309 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_cairo.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_cairo.py
@@ -397,6 +397,8 @@ def set_graylevel(self, frac):
         else:
             self.ctx.set_source_rgba(*self._rgb)
 
+    def get_rgb(self):
+        return self.ctx.get_source().get_rgba()[:3]
 
     def set_joinstyle(self, js):
         if js in ('miter', 'round', 'bevel'):