An exceptional 200-year-old condom, believed to be made from sheep intestines, is now on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam as part of a unique exhibition on 19th-century sexuality and prostitution, captivating audiences of all ages.
Rare 200-Year-Old Condom on Display at Rijksmuseum
Rare 200-Year-Old Condom on Display at Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum showcases a historical condom from the 1830s, stirring intrigue and delight among visitors.
An extraordinary artifact, an almost 200-year-old condom, has been given a spotlight at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, thrilling visitors with its pristine condition. Dated back to the year 1830, this rare item is reported to be crafted from a sheep's appendix and features a risqué print depicting a nun alongside three clergymen.
Part of a larger exhibition exploring the themes of prostitution and sexuality in the 19th century, the condom was auctioned and acquired by the museum just last year. Curator Joyce Zelen recounted the moment of discovery with her colleagues, sharing that their initial reaction was laughter, as "no-one else noticed it," making their bid uncontested.
Upon acquisition, museum experts used UV light to verify that this vintage condom had remained unused, confirming its remarkable condition. "It's in mint condition," exclaimed Zelen, who added that since its debut in the museum, it has drawn crowds of all ages, eliciting a hugely positive visitor response.
The artifact is speculated to be a “luxury souvenir” from an upscale brothel in France, one of only two known surviving examples of its kind. The Rijksmuseum elaborates that the condom not only reflects the lighter aspects of sexual health but also embodies the serious concerns of the era regarding unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, particularly syphilis.
The explicit imagery, including the nun provocatively positioned, along with the caption "Voilà mon choix" (meaning "There is my choice"), serves as a provocative satire on both celibacy and the ancient tale of the Judgement of Paris—a myth about a Trojan Prince's task of identifying the most beautiful of the goddesses.
The Rijksmuseum's Print Room houses a staggering collection of approximately 750,000 works, yet this condom marks a first for the institution as a printed object. Zelen mentioned that they would consider lending the artifact to other museums, though she warned of its delicate nature. It will be on display through the end of November, inviting more visitors to explore this unique slice of history.
