In a daring dive into the intersection of sexuality, satire, and history, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has unveiled an extraordinary artifact: a nearly 200-year-old condom from 1830, likely crafted from a sheep’s appendix and adorned with a provocative erotic print. The print, depicting a nun and three clergymen in a risqué scene, is inscribed with the French phrase “Voilà mon choix” (“This is my choice”), a cheeky nod to the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology. The nun, seated with her legs apart, gestures toward the aroused clergymen, delivering a biting satire on celibacy and the moral hypocrisy of 19th-century religious institutions.
This rare object, believed to be a souvenir from a French brothel, is one of only two such erotic condoms known to have survived, making it a culturally significant and exceptionally unique find. Measuring 20 centimeters, the condom was not intended for practical use but served as a novelty or collector’s item, likely commissioned by an elite clientele with a taste for the scandalous.
A Star in the “Safe Sex?” Exhibition
The condom takes center stage in the Rijksmuseum’s new exhibition, Safe Sex?, which runs from June 3, 2025, through the end of November in the museum’s Print Room. The show explores 19th-century sexuality, prostitution, and sexual health through an array of prints, drawings, photographs, and this singular contraceptive artifact. According to the Rijksmuseum’s press release, the object offers “a unique glimpse into the private lives of historical times that tend to be forgotten in traditional collections to museums.” It highlights how print culture was used in playful and subversive ways, reflecting society’s complex relationship with desire, disease, and morality.
The condom was acquired six months ago at an auction in Haarlem for €1,000, funded by the F.G. Waller Fund. It now joins the Rijksmuseum’s vast collection of over 750,000 works on paper, adding a provocative dimension to its holdings.
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
In the early 19th century, condoms were typically made from linen or animal membranes, such as sheep intestines, and were used to prevent unwanted pregnancies and protect against sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, which was both widespread and deadly. While rudimentary compared to modern standards, these contraceptives were a critical tool in an era grappling with sexual health challenges.
The condom’s etched imagery elevates its significance, blending humor, sexuality, and social commentary. The satirical depiction of religious figures critiques the moral contradictions of the time, a theme often explored in underground erotic prints. Such prints were a discreet medium for taboo subjects, offering sharp commentary on politics, religion, and societal norms.
This artifact joins a select group of preserved historic contraceptives, such as those housed in the Wellcome Collection in London and the Musée de l’Érotisme in Paris. Together, these objects provide rare insight into early contraceptive technologies and the cultural attitudes surrounding sexual expression.
Redefining Social History
The Rijksmuseum’s Safe Sex? exhibition reflects a broader trend among European institutions to illuminate underrepresented aspects of social history, including gender, sexuality, and everyday life. By showcasing this condom, the museum invites visitors to reconsider how artifacts of pleasure, humor, and parody can deepen our understanding of the past. This bold display not only highlights the craftsmanship and creativity of 19th-century society but also challenges us to confront the complexities of desire and morality in historical contexts.