An extraordinary piece of history has emerged at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: a nearly 200-year-old condom, preserved in what curators describe as "mint condition." Dating back to 1830, this unique artifact is thought to be crafted from a sheep's appendix and showcases an eye-catching print depicting a nun with three clergymen.
This rare find is now featured in an exhibition focusing on 19th-century prostitution and sexuality, where it stands alongside prints, photographs, and artwork related to the era. Rijksmuseum curator Joyce Zelen recalled the excitement when she and her colleague discovered the condom at an auction, noting, "We were laughing," as they were the only bidders to recognize its significance.
Post-auction inspections using UV light confirmed the condom had never been used. "It's in mint condition," Zelen affirmed, adding that the exhibition has attracted a diverse audience eager to learn about this remarkable relic. Zelen speculates that the condom may have served as a "luxury souvenir" from a prestigious French brothel, with only two known examples of this type surviving to date.
The explicit imagery reveals a comedic yet provocative play on themes of celibacy and desire, with the nun gesturing suggestively towards the clergymen. Illustrated with the phrase "Voilà mon choix," meaning "There is my choice," the artifact plays on the myth of Paris and the Judgement of Paris from Greek legends.
This groundbreaking display is a first for the museum’s extensive collection, which encompasses around 750,000 prints, drawings, and photos. As Zelen stated, "As far as we can tell we are the only art museum with a printed condom." The delicate nature of the condom means the museum is considering loan options, although preservation remains a priority.
The condom will be exhibited until the end of November, inviting visitors to engage with a provocative piece of history that embodies the complexities of sexual health in its time.
