An astonishing artifact, a near 200-year-old condom, has been unveiled at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, captivating visitors with its story and historical significance. Dated to around 1830, this rare piece is thought to be crafted from a sheep's appendix and carries an explicit print depicting a nun alongside three clergymen, presenting a stark representation of the complex interrelations between sexuality and religion.
Acquired at auction last year, the condom has found its place in a broader exhibition that investigates the themes of 19th Century prostitution and societal views on sexuality. Rijksmuseum curator Joyce Zelen expressed her amusement upon discovering the condom, sharing that it was largely unnoticed by other bidders at the auction, making their acquisition particularly unheard-of.
Upon further examination, including a UV light inspection to confirm its unused state, the team revealed the condom is indeed "in mint condition." Since its debut at the exhibition, the artifact has drawn large crowds, generating significant interest among diverse audiences. Zelen notes the positive response, reflecting continual fascination with historical expressions of sexual health.
According to the museum, the condom likely served as a "luxury souvenir" from an opulent French brothel, adding cultural context to its existence. Intriguingly, this is only the second known instance of such an artifact still in existence, reinforcing its rarity and importance.
The explicit imagery, described by Zelen, depicts a nun provocatively posed before three men in ecclesiastical attire, encapsulated with the phrase "Voilà mon choix" or "There is my choice." This satirical illustration is interpreted as a commentary on religious celibacy and resonates with the myth of Paris judging the three goddesses in Greek lore.
As the Rijksmuseum boasts a collection of over 750,000 prints and photographs, the condom stands out as a singular piece within its Print Room, solidifying the museum's claim to be a unique custodian of this particular artifact. Zelen has indicated openness to lending it to other institutions, though she emphasizes the fragility of this delicate piece.
This extraordinary condom is on display until the end of November, offering a provocative insight into shifting perceptions of sexuality and health through the lens of history.
