Hailing from 1830 and boasting an explicit print, the "mint condition" condom has drawn significant attention and serves as a rare glimpse into historical attitudes towards sexual health and pleasure.
Antique Condom Goes on Display at Rijksmuseum, Attracts Crowds
Antique Condom Goes on Display at Rijksmuseum, Attracts Crowds
A nearly 200-year-old condom made from a sheep's appendix is captivating visitors at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam as part of a provocative exhibition on 19th-century sexuality.
An unusual exhibit at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is drawing crowds with a unique artifact—a nearly 200-year-old condom. This remarkable sheath, believed to be made from a sheep's appendix, is currently on display as part of an exhibition focusing on 19th-century prostitution and sexuality. The condom, dating back to around 1830, features a provocative print depicting a nun and three clergymen, and it has garnered considerable interest since its recent public showing.
Rijksmuseum curator Joyce Zelen shared that the item was discovered at an auction last year, where she and her colleague couldn't contain their laughter at its unexpected presence. They were the sole bidders, leading to its acquisition. Upon further inspection using ultraviolet light, the museum confirmed that the condom remains unused and is in "mint condition."
Described as a potentially luxurious souvenir from an upscale French brothel, this rare artifact is among only two of its kind known to exist today. Zelen articulated how the item exemplifies the complex views of sexual health during its time—an era marked by a quest for pleasure still overshadowed by fears of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis.
The explicit print features a suggestive scene with the nun provocatively posed before the clergymen, further complemented by the inscription “Voilà mon choix,” translating to “There is my choice.” Such imagery serves as both a humorous take on celibacy and a nod to the myth of the Judgment of Paris from Greek mythology, presenting a layered commentary on desire and choice.
Notably, this condom—considered the first of its kind in the museum's extensive Print Room collection of around 750,000 pieces—is hoped to be loaned out to other institutions despite its delicate nature. Currently, it is available for viewing until the end of November, along with a variety of prints, drawings, and photographs that contribute to the exhibition’s exploration of sexuality during this historically significant period.
