A 200-year-old condom has been put on display at the world-renowned Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, drawing significant public attention.
According to museum officials, the rare condom, dated back to 1830, is made from the membrane of a sheep’s appendix. Remarkably, it has remained in its original, unused condition over the centuries.
What makes this artifact even more unique is the controversial artwork printed on it — depicting a nun and three men, meant as a satirical take on sexuality, religion, and Greek mythology. The image is accompanied by a French phrase: “C’est mon désir” — translating to “It is my desire.”
Museum curator Joyce Zeelen stated that the condom was acquired without competition at an auction, and subsequent ultraviolet analysis confirmed its authenticity and that it had never been used.
This historic item, originally linked to a French brothel, offers insights into sexual health, historical norms, and social attitudes of its time. The curator noted that only two such condoms are known to exist globally, and this is the only one with printed artwork.
The exhibit will remain on display at the Rijksmuseum until the end of November.
