The Rijksmuseum showcases this rare piece as part of an exhibition that explores 19th-century sexuality and prostitution.
**Ancient Condom Unveiled: A 200-Year-Old Artifact at the Rijksmuseum**
**Ancient Condom Unveiled: A 200-Year-Old Artifact at the Rijksmuseum**
An extraordinary 1830 condom, made from sheep's appendix, is drawing crowds in Amsterdam.
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has recently brought to light an unexpected artifact—a nearly 200-year-old condom, declared to be in "mint condition." This unique piece, believed to be made from sheep's appendix, features an explicit illustration depicting a nun and three clergymen and dates back to approximately 1830. It was discovered and purchased at auction by the museum last year, and it is now part of an exhibition that delves into the complex themes of 19th-century prostitution and sexuality, complemented by various prints, photographs, and drawings.
Joyce Zelen, a curator at the museum, recounted the amusing moment when she and her colleague first spotted the condom at auction, noting their surprise that "no-one else noticed it," leading to their sole bid for the item. Upon inspection with UV light, they confirmed that it had never been used. Its pristine condition has since attracted large crowds of curious visitors, both young and old, eager to view this extraordinary piece of history.
According to Zelen, this condom likely served as a "luxury souvenir" from an opulent French brothel, with only two known examples surviving to date. The museum explained that the artifact reflects both the light-hearted and darker aspects of sexual health during a time marked by anxieties about unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis. The condom features a provocative print, where the nun gestures suggestively towards the three clergymen, thus creating a commentary on celibacy and drawing parallels with the mythological Judgement of Paris.
The Rijksmuseum's Print Room, housing a collection of around 750,000 prints and photographs, now proudly displays this printed condom as its first of its kind. Zelen stated that they are "open to loan" the delicate artifact to other institutions but are cautious due to its fragility. Visitors can view this singular item until its exhibition concludes at the end of November.
Joyce Zelen, a curator at the museum, recounted the amusing moment when she and her colleague first spotted the condom at auction, noting their surprise that "no-one else noticed it," leading to their sole bid for the item. Upon inspection with UV light, they confirmed that it had never been used. Its pristine condition has since attracted large crowds of curious visitors, both young and old, eager to view this extraordinary piece of history.
According to Zelen, this condom likely served as a "luxury souvenir" from an opulent French brothel, with only two known examples surviving to date. The museum explained that the artifact reflects both the light-hearted and darker aspects of sexual health during a time marked by anxieties about unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis. The condom features a provocative print, where the nun gestures suggestively towards the three clergymen, thus creating a commentary on celibacy and drawing parallels with the mythological Judgement of Paris.
The Rijksmuseum's Print Room, housing a collection of around 750,000 prints and photographs, now proudly displays this printed condom as its first of its kind. Zelen stated that they are "open to loan" the delicate artifact to other institutions but are cautious due to its fragility. Visitors can view this singular item until its exhibition concludes at the end of November.
