diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_pdf.py b/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_pdf.py
index 4ab377f4b660..06d5c645967f 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_pdf.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_pdf.py
@@ -2139,11 +2139,12 @@ def clip_cmd(self, cliprect, clippath):
         """Set clip rectangle. Calls self.pop() and self.push()."""
         cmds = []
         # Pop graphics state until we hit the right one or the stack is empty
-        while (self._cliprect, self._clippath) != (cliprect, clippath) \
-                and self.parent is not None:
+        while ((self._cliprect, self._clippath) != (cliprect, clippath)
+                and self.parent is not None):
             cmds.extend(self.pop())
         # Unless we hit the right one, set the clip polygon
-        if (self._cliprect, self._clippath) != (cliprect, clippath):
+        if ((self._cliprect, self._clippath) != (cliprect, clippath) or
+            self.parent is None):
             cmds.extend(self.push())
             if self._cliprect != cliprect:
                 cmds.extend([cliprect, Op.rectangle, Op.clip, Op.endpath])