diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_image.py b/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_image.py
index 36a9838c527b..9ffa6d9d1e5e 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_image.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_image.py
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@
 
 try:
     from PIL import Image
-    del Image
     HAS_PIL = True
 except ImportError:
     HAS_PIL = False