Unearthing the 1830 Condom at Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam: A Peep into History, Humor, and Hygiene
Two centuries of condom evolution on display at a Amsterdam museum
Step into the vibrant city of Amsterdam and behold the Rijksmuseum's latest exhibit, a 1830 condom adorned with a laugh-worthy erotic drawing. This bad boy wasn't just your average rubber; it was handcrafted from a sheep's cecum, a popular material for condoms back in the day. And what a find it was - the museum's curators, Huigen Leeflang and Joyce Zelen, nabbed it for a cool €1,000 from an auction house in Haarlem, Netherlands 1.
The Naughty Artwork and its Hidden Meaning
You might not expect to find such bawdy artwork in a museum, but this bad boy dons an image of a saucy nun and three clergymen 3. The nun's legs are spread, and she's pointing at one of the clerics, all the while saying, "This is my choice." Yep, you guessed it - it's a cheeky parody of the Catholic Church's vow of celibacy. And let's face it, mixing a bit of humor with the serious business of sexual health makes for a memorable exhibit 4.
A Look Back at 19th-Century Sexuality and Prostitution
The condom is part of the "Safe Sex?" exhibition, which takes visitors on a wild ride through 19th-century sex work and sexual health 1. Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District often planted the seed for this steamy exhibit. Plus, the condom's possible origins as a souvenir from a French brothel only adds to the sordid intrigue 1.
The Exhibit's Booming Success
With its grand opening just around the corner, the "Safe Sex?" exhibition will run until the end of November 1. Don't miss out on other dutch and french prints that delve into sexuality and health during the 19th century 1. The Rijksmuseum is eager to fill in the blanks when it comes to the underrepresented tales of 19th-century sexuality and prostitution in their collection 4. So, come one, come all - laughter, education, and historical anticipation await! 1
- The condom exhibit at the Rijksmuseum, titled "Safe Sex?", showcases the intersection of science, health-and-wellness, and lifestyle, by presenting historical items related to sexual health and the evolvement of sexual practices in the 19th century.
- The condom in question, a 1830 artifact from France, signifies the fashion-and-beauty trends of its time, as it was handcrafted from a sheep's cecum and adorned with an erotic drawing, highlighting the connection between sexuality, art, and humor.
- The success of the exhibition is not limited to the condom alone, as it also features an array of Dutch and French prints that delve into the societal norms and taboos surrounding sexuality, health, and wellness during the 19th century, offering visitors an enlightening experience that melds history, humor, and education.
