The exhibition sheds light on the complexities of 19th-century sexuality and social norms.
**Rijksmuseum Showcases Rare 200-Year-Old Condom with Provocative Print**
**Rijksmuseum Showcases Rare 200-Year-Old Condom with Provocative Print**
A unique historical artifact raises eyebrows at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum.
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has recently unveiled a nearly 200-year-old condom, which has been described as being in "mint condition." This remarkable artifact, thought to be constructed from a sheep's appendix, features an explicit print portraying a nun and three clergy members. Dating back to around 1830, this rare item was acquired at auction less than a year ago and is part of an exhibition focused on 19th-century prostitution and sexuality.
Museum curator Joyce Zelen recounted the humorous moment when she and her colleague discovered the condom at the auction, noting they were the only bidders present. Upon inspection with UV light, museum staff confirmed the condom had never been used, further highlighting its incredible preservation. Following its addition to the display, the exhibition has attracted a surge of visitors of all ages, as Zelen mentioned the enthusiastic response to the artifact.
The Rijksmuseum suggests that the condom may have originated as a "luxury souvenir" from an elite French brothel, with only two similar objects known to have survived. The condom illustrates the contrasting facets of sexual health during a time rife with concerns over unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, particularly syphilis. The explicit imagery displays a nun provocatively interacting with the clergy, complete with the phrase "Voilà mon choix," translating to "There is my choice." The museum intriguingly categorizes this print as a "parody" of celibacy and the Greek myth of the Judgement of Paris.
This condom represents a unique addition to the Rijksmuseum's extensive Print Room collection, which contains around 750,000 prints, drawings, and photographs. As Zelen noted, it stands as the museum’s sole printed condom, and they remain open to loaning this delicate piece to other institutions. The artifact will be on display until the end of November, offering a bold exploration into the history of sexuality.
Museum curator Joyce Zelen recounted the humorous moment when she and her colleague discovered the condom at the auction, noting they were the only bidders present. Upon inspection with UV light, museum staff confirmed the condom had never been used, further highlighting its incredible preservation. Following its addition to the display, the exhibition has attracted a surge of visitors of all ages, as Zelen mentioned the enthusiastic response to the artifact.
The Rijksmuseum suggests that the condom may have originated as a "luxury souvenir" from an elite French brothel, with only two similar objects known to have survived. The condom illustrates the contrasting facets of sexual health during a time rife with concerns over unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, particularly syphilis. The explicit imagery displays a nun provocatively interacting with the clergy, complete with the phrase "Voilà mon choix," translating to "There is my choice." The museum intriguingly categorizes this print as a "parody" of celibacy and the Greek myth of the Judgement of Paris.
This condom represents a unique addition to the Rijksmuseum's extensive Print Room collection, which contains around 750,000 prints, drawings, and photographs. As Zelen noted, it stands as the museum’s sole printed condom, and they remain open to loaning this delicate piece to other institutions. The artifact will be on display until the end of November, offering a bold exploration into the history of sexuality.
