diff --git a/pandas/tests/test_graphics.py b/pandas/tests/test_graphics.py
index 3a5b0117948b7..5493eb37c358b 100644
--- a/pandas/tests/test_graphics.py
+++ b/pandas/tests/test_graphics.py
@@ -1330,7 +1330,8 @@ def test_plot(self):
         self._check_axes_shape(axes, axes_num=4, layout=(4, 1))
 
         df = DataFrame({'x': [1, 2], 'y': [3, 4]})
-        with tm.assertRaises(TypeError):
+        # mpl >= 1.5.2 (or slightly below) throw AttributError
+        with tm.assertRaises((TypeError, AttributeError)):
             df.plot.line(blarg=True)
 
         df = DataFrame(np.random.rand(10, 3),