diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/convert/metadata.py b/src/calibre/gui2/convert/metadata.py
index 3ddd5674bb..cb5b99c525 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/convert/metadata.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/convert/metadata.py
@@ -87,6 +87,9 @@ class MetadataWidget(Widget, Ui_Form):
             if not pm.isNull():
                 self.cover.setPixmap(pm)
                 self.cover_data = cover
+        else:
+            self.cover.setPixmap(QPixmap(I('default_cover.svg')))
+
 
     def initialize_combos(self):
         self.initalize_authors()