The Print Room at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam holds some 750,000 prints, drawings, and photographs — mostly on paper, but not exclusively. Six months ago, with support from the F.G. Waller Fund, the museum acquired an exceptionally unusual item at auction: a rare condom dating from around 1830, printed with a humorous and erotic engraving.
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The engraving depicts a nun with her habit lifted in a provocative pose. In front of her stand three clerics, probably two monks and a priest, who have also exposed their lower bodies, revealing their various physiques. The nun’s gesture towards one of the men, along with the French caption Voilà mon choix (“That is my choice”), suggests the scene is a playful reference to the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology.
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Printed historic condoms such as this, made from sheep’s intestine and believed to be souvenirs from brothels, are extremely rare. Only two other examples are known. The Rijksmuseum is therefore delighted to have added it to its collection, enriching its exhibits on 19th-century themes of sexuality and prostitution.
The condom will remain on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam until the end of November.
