Rijksmuseum showcases rare 19th-century condom with provocative etching

In the Netherlands, specifically within the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, a unique exhibit was unveiled featuring a rare condom that dates back to 1830. This condom, believed to be made from a sheep’s appendix, stands out due to its striking erotic etching depicting a nun and three clergymen. The piece has been classified as probably being a souvenir from a brothel, and only two known copies of such a condom exist. Joyce Zelen, the curator of prints, highlighted its pristine condition and the cultural significance of such items in relation to societal views on sexuality during the 19th century. This condom carries a design that showcases an intricate visual narrative, where the nun is portrayed in a provocative manner, lifting her skirt while clergymen are depicted displaying themselves. The inscription “Voilà mon choix,” translating to “This is my choice,” serves as a parody of the tensions surrounding celibacy, revealing society's conflicting attitudes towards sex during that period—the era was fraught with concerns surrounding syphilis and unwanted pregnancies, making sexuality a taboo subject yet also a source of intrigue. The condom was recently acquired by the museum at an auction, marking its first addition of a print on such an object into their extensive collection, which holds about 750,000 prints and drawings. Curator Joyce Zelen emphasized that items like this would have most likely been sold discreetly, functioning more as decorative curiosities than functional contraceptives, given their limited protective capabilities. Moreover, this exhibit provides viewers with a lens into the historical context of prostitution and sexual health, particularly during a time when sexually transmitted diseases posed significant public health challenges. The condom will remain on display in the museum's Print Room until the end of November 2025.