A 200 year old condom: parody of celibacy in the Rijksmuseum!

A 200 year old condom: parody of celibacy in the Rijksmuseum!

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is currently presenting a remarkable exhibit: a 200 -year -old condom that dates from 1830. With a unique drawing that shows a nun in front of three clerics, the piece raises interesting questions about sexuality and the social handling of it in the 19th century. The presentation is interpreted as a parody of celibacy in the Catholic Church, with the nun provocative pointing to one of the clerics. According to Kleine Zeitung , the condom is part of a comprehensive exhibition on the subject of sexuality and prostitution that can be seen until the end of November 2025.

The characteristics of the condom are almost fascinating. It is believed that it was made from the appendix of a sheep and may be a souvenir from a brothel. Only two copies of such condoms are known, which underlines the historical meaning of this piece. A French inscription on the conduct is "Voila, Mon Choix" ("This is my choice") and is also brought in connection with the painting "The judgment of the Paris" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir reports 20 minutes .

sexuality in the 19th century

In the context of the exhibition, it is revealing to look at the social norms and medical views of the time. Dr. William Acton, a renowned 19th century doctor, published his book "The functions and disorders of reproductive organs" in 1867. In it he takes the view that sexuality should only serve to reproduce in the marriage bed and is based on Bible verses and personal observations, without consulting scientific data, such as spectrum describes.

acton shaped the medical understanding of sexuality for many men of that time and saw masturbation as dangerous. He also found that women are often not affected by sexual needs. These views led to medical treatments for women who were considered hysterical or insanely, including serious surgical interventions.

The current exhibition in the Rijksmuseum summarizes these complex topics and calls on visitors to think about the history of sexuality, pleasure and fear of venereal diseases. The condom and its drawing are a playful, but also serious reflection on the challenges that people in the past have had in the past. The objects on display open up a discourse on the development of sexual health and the social attitudes that have an impact on modern times.