A highly unusual and thought-provoking historical object is currently on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam—a nearly 200-year-old condom, dating back to around 1830, that features a detailed and provocative print. Made from sheep intestine, this rare artefact offers insight into the complexities of sexuality, satire, and health during the 19th century.
A Rare and Symbolic Object
According to experts, this condom is one of only two known examples of its kind that still exist today. It was acquired by the museum at auction last year through the F.G. Waller Fonds and is now featured in a special exhibition that explores prostitution and sexuality in the 19th century.
The object itself is remarkable not only for its material and age but for the clear illustration printed directly on it. The image depicts a nun seated with her dress lifted and legs apart, pointing a finger toward three clergymen who are shown standing in front of her, each lifting their religious habits. Accompanying the scene is the French inscription “Voilà mon choix”, which translates to “This is my choice.”
Interpretation and Historical Context
The museum interprets this print as a parody—a satirical commentary on both celibacy and the Judgement of Paris, a tale from Greek mythology in which the Trojan prince Paris is tasked with choosing the fairest goddess among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. In this historical reinterpretation, themes of sexual autonomy, moral hypocrisy, and religious tension come to the fore.
In a statement, the museum described the condom as a symbol of the “lighter and darker sides of sexual health” during a time when people were torn between the pursuit of pleasure and the fear of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, particularly syphilis, which was rampant during the 19th century.
Museum officials suggest the condom was likely a souvenir from a brothel, a keepsake perhaps meant to amuse, provoke, or instruct.
For More
Part of a Broader Exhibition
This unique item is part of a larger exhibition that includes prints, drawings, and photographs from the 1800s. The display aims to explore a subject the museum admits has been underrepresented in its collection until now: sexuality and the social dynamics surrounding it in 19th-century Europe.
According to the Rijksmuseum, their Print Room houses more than 750,000 works—yet this is the first known example of a printed image on a condom in the collection.
Juxtaposition with Other Rare Artefacts
The exhibit is featured alongside other rare and historically significant artefacts from around the world, including items recovered from the wreck of the Titanic—such as a handbag made from alligator skin and tiny bottles of perfume that still emit their original scent. These artefacts are preserved in a highly secured, undisclosed warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia, which stores thousands of relics including a bathtub, dented portholes, fine glassware, and buttons—each telling a fragment of history.
Public Response and Exhibition Timeline
Visitors to the museum can view the printed condom as part of the exhibit until the end of November. The display has already sparked considerable public interest and media attention, not only due to the object’s rarity but also because of its bold depiction of religious figures and its commentary on sexual autonomy and hypocrisy.
The museum hopes that by showcasing such artefacts, it can spark deeper conversations about sexual history, cultural taboos, and the human experience—reminding us that many of the tensions and debates around sexuality are far from new.
