diff --git a/vips/image_test.go b/vips/image_test.go
index 8baaaed7..ec8ab7d3 100644
--- a/vips/image_test.go
+++ b/vips/image_test.go
@@ -430,7 +430,6 @@ func TestImageRef_Label(t *testing.T) {
 
 	image, err := NewImageFromFile(resources + "jpg-24bit.jpg")
 	require.NoError(t, err)
-	defer image.Close()
 
 	lp := &LabelParams{Text: "Text label"}