A remarkable condom dating back to 1830 has gone on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, showcasing a blend of artistry and historical context surrounding sexuality in the 19th century.
Rare 200-Year-Old Condom on Display in Amsterdam Museum
Rare 200-Year-Old Condom on Display in Amsterdam Museum
The Rijksmuseum unveils a well-preserved historical artefact that offers insight into 19th-century sexuality and societal norms.
An extraordinary condom, nearly 200 years old and described as being in "mint condition," is currently featured at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This unique artefact, crafted from what is believed to be a sheep's appendix, includes an explicit illustration depicting a nun alongside three clergymen. Dating back to 1830, it forms part of a larger exhibition exploring themes of prostitution and sexuality in the 19th century, which includes various prints, drawings, and photographs.
Curator Joyce Zelen noted that her team was initially amused when they discovered the condom at auction last year, as it seemed to go unnoticed by other bidders. They were the only ones to bid, leading to the successful purchase. Upon receiving the item, UV light examinations confirmed it had never been used. "It's in mint condition," Ms. Zelen remarked, reflecting on the overwhelming visitor interest since its introduction to the exhibition.
Zelen suggested that the condom likely served as a "luxury souvenir" from a prestigious brothel in France, with only two similar items known to exist today. The museum pointed out that this object captures the dual aspects of sexual health—a period marked by the pursuit of pleasure overshadowed by anxieties over unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections like syphilis.
The condom’s illustration is audacious, showcasing a scene where the nun interacts with the clerical figures, complemented by the phrase "Voilà mon choix," translating to "There is my choice." This print serves as a witty commentary on both celibacy and the Greek myth of the Judgement of Paris, wherein the Trojan Prince must choose the fairest among the goddesses.
Though the museum houses a collection of approximately 750,000 prints, drawings, and photographs, this condom marks its first example of a printed artefact of its kind. Ms. Zelen expressed the museum's willingness to loan it to other institutions, yet acknowledged its fragile nature. The condom will be on display until the end of November, inviting viewers to contemplate a significant yet often overlooked chapter of historical sexuality.
