A rare condom from 1830 is currently on show at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This nearly two-century-old contraceptive, likely crafted from sheep’s entrails, bears an erotic engraving showing a nun and three clergy members in a sexual scene. Believed to have been a brothel keepsake, only two such items are known to exist today. Its survival offers a glimpse into the diverse uses of printing in the past, as well as the realities of sexual habits and prostitution during the 1800s.
The etching on the condom depicts the nun seated with her legs apart, pointing at one of the clergy members standing before her. The men lift their robes to reveal their aroused state. The accompanying text, Voilà mon choix (“This is my choice”), turns the image into a satirical jab at both religious celibacy and the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology.
Adding this object to the museum’s collection has opened new avenues for exploring 19th-century sexuality and prostitution—a theme that has been largely overlooked in the institution’s holdings. The condom reflects the dual nature of sexual health during that era when the pursuit of pleasure was shadowed by the dangers of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, particularly syphilis. Displayed in the Print Room, the condom joins an exhibition focused on 19th-century prostitution and sexuality, featuring prints, drawings, and photographs. The display will remain open until the end of November.
The Rijksmuseum acquired the condom at auction six months ago, thanks to funding from the F.G. Waller Fonds. The Print Room’s collection includes approximately 750,000 works on paper, along with printed materials on various other surfaces. This condom marks the first instance of a printed object of its kind in the museum’s archives.
Beyond its historical significance, the condom sheds light on the broader cultural attitudes of its time. In the 19th century, discussions around sex were often shrouded in secrecy, yet objects like this reveal that eroticism and humour were still very much part of daily life. The explicit nature of the etching suggests it was meant for private amusement, possibly as a novelty item for wealthy patrons of brothels.
The survival of such a fragile artefact is extraordinary. Made from organic material, the condom could have easily disintegrated over time. That it endured for nearly 200 years speaks to the care taken by its previous owners, as well as sheer luck. Its presence in the Rijksmuseum’s collection now allows researchers and visitors to engage with a rarely discussed aspect of history.
The exhibition surrounding the condom aims to contextualise its place in 19th-century society. Alongside it, other prints and photographs illustrate the realities of prostitution, from the glamorised courtesans of Paris to the grim conditions faced by many women in urban brothels. These works highlight the contradictions of the era, where moral strictures coexisted with a thriving underground trade in erotic goods.
By displaying this artefact, the Rijksmuseum invites reflection on how attitudes toward sex and contraception have evolved. While modern contraceptives are widely available and openly discussed, this condom represents a time when such items were clandestine, often handmade, and sometimes even illegal. Its survival is a testament to human ingenuity—and a reminder of how far society has come in addressing sexual health.
Visitors to the exhibition will not only encounter a curious relic but also gain insight into the complexities of 19th-century life. The condom, with its provocative imagery, serves as a conversation starter about desire, morality, and the enduring human fascination with sex.