05.06.2025 12:04
At the exhibition in Amsterdam titled "Prostitution and Sexuality in the 19th Century," a printed condom made from sheep's intestine dating back to 1830 is on display. Curator Zelen stated that since they started exhibiting the condom, the museum has been overflowing with visitors and that "the reactions have been incredible." Additionally, Zelen mentioned that his colleagues laughed when they first saw the condom at the auction.
A condom that is approximately 200 years old has been exhibited in an exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Museum officials stated that the condom is in "very good condition."
MADE FROM SHEEP APPENDIX
The rare condom, dating back to 1830, is believed to be made from a sheep's appendix. The image on it depicts a nun and three clergymen.
"WE LAUGHED WHEN WE FIRST SAW IT"
The condom, which is part of the exhibition on "Prostitution and Sexuality in the 19th Century," was purchased by the Rijksmuseum at an auction last year.
Rijksmuseum Curator Joyce Zelen stated that she and her colleague "laughed" when they first saw the condom at the auction. Curator Zelen noted that "no one else seemed to notice" the condom and that only they placed bids during the auction.
"THE REACTIONS ARE INCREDIBLE"
Zelen added that since they started exhibiting the condom, the museum has been filled with young and old people, and that "the reactions are incredible." The condom is believed to be a "luxury souvenir" from a brothel in France.
IT SAYS "HERE IS MY CHOICE" IN FRENCH
Museum officials stated that this unusual condom represents "both the bright and dark sides of sexual health during a time filled with fears of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases - especially syphilis."
The condom has the phrase "Voilà mon choix," which means "Here is my choice" in French. In the image on it, the nun is seen sitting in front of three men, lifting her dress, spreading her legs, and pointing with her finger at the clergymen, all of whom have lifted their robes. The museum noted that the image on the condom could therefore be considered "a parody of both virginity and the mythological story of the Judgment of Paris in Greek mythology."
In the Judgment of Paris, the Trojan Prince Paris was asked to decide who among Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena was the most beautiful goddess.
"WE ARE THE ONLY MUSEUM WITH A PRINTED CONDOM"
The Rijksmuseum's collection includes approximately 750,000 prints, drawings, and photographs, but the exhibited piece is the first printed example of a condom in the collection. Curator Joyce Zelen stated, "As far as we know, we are the only art museum with a printed condom." The Rijksmuseum is open to "loaning" the piece to other museums, but officials say the condom is very delicate. The condom will be exhibited in the museum until the end of November.