A unique and intriguing artifact from the 19th century has gone on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The 19th century condom, believed to be made from a sheep’s appendix and dating back to around 1830, features an erotic etching of a nun and three clergymen. According to Joyce Zelen, curator of prints at the museum, this condom is a rare example of a luxury brothel souvenir from that era.
The condom’s excellent condition, as revealed by UV testing, suggests that it has never been used. Zelen notes that its extended length of 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) and the presence of the etching indicate that it was more likely to be a novelty item than a practical form of contraception. “It makes it more of an object to laugh about with your friends than an actual object to use,” she said.
The etching itself is a parody of both celibacy and the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology, with the inscription “Voilà mon choix” (“This is my choice”). Zelen explained that the printmaker would have used a copper plate to print the design onto the sheep or goat appendix.
While this condom may not have been intended for practical use, Zelen noted that condoms made from similar materials during that era would have provided minimal protection against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis. The condom is part of an exhibit on 19th-century prostitution and sexuality at the Rijksmuseum, which acquired the item at auction six months ago.
The Rijksmuseum has previously made headlines for its blockbuster exhibitions, including the largest-ever collection of paintings by Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. The museum has also been actively engaged in repatriating colonial artifacts to their countries of origin, following thorough provenance research. The condom will be on display in the museum’s Print Room until the end of November.