The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has unveiled an extraordinary artifact, an almost 200-year-old condom, now on display in a unique exhibition dedicated to 19th-century prostitution and sexuality. Believed to be made from a sheep's appendix, this condom is not just notable for its age; it features a provocative print depicting a nun flanked by three clergymen, making it a rare historical piece. Curator Joyce Zelen revealed that the museum acquired this artifact at an auction last year, where they were the sole bidders, initially unable to conceal their laughter at the discovery.
**Rijksmuseum Showcases Rare 200-Year-Old Condom in Unique Exhibition**
**Rijksmuseum Showcases Rare 200-Year-Old Condom in Unique Exhibition**
A 200-year-old condom has been displayed for the first time at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, revealing intriguing insights into historical attitudes toward sexuality.
Upon examination with UV light, museum officials confirmed it was in "mint condition," having never been used. Zelen noted its popularity, drawing many visitors curious to witness its provocative imagery, which accompanied prints and photographs reflecting the era's complex sexual moralities. Experts suggest that the condom may have served as a "luxury souvenir" from a high-end French brothel, with only two surviving examples known today.
The explicit print shows the nun provocatively arranged before the clergymen, a satire on both celibacy and the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology. With the inscription "Voilà mon choix," or "There is my choice," the artifact encapsulates the dualities of sexual health consciousness during a period plagued by fears of unintended pregnancies and diseases like syphilis.
The Rijksmuseum, home to a collection of 750,000 prints, drawings, and photographs, claims this condom is the first instance of such a printed item in its holdings. While open to sharing the artifact with other institutions, museum officials emphasize the delicate nature of the condom. The artifact will be displayed until the end of November, inviting ongoing discussions about the culture of sexuality throughout history.
The explicit print shows the nun provocatively arranged before the clergymen, a satire on both celibacy and the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology. With the inscription "Voilà mon choix," or "There is my choice," the artifact encapsulates the dualities of sexual health consciousness during a period plagued by fears of unintended pregnancies and diseases like syphilis.
The Rijksmuseum, home to a collection of 750,000 prints, drawings, and photographs, claims this condom is the first instance of such a printed item in its holdings. While open to sharing the artifact with other institutions, museum officials emphasize the delicate nature of the condom. The artifact will be displayed until the end of November, inviting ongoing discussions about the culture of sexuality throughout history.
