A 200-year-old illustrated condom will be showcased at the Rijksmuseum, marking its significance as the first contraceptive sheath in the collection. Believed to have originated from an upscale Paris brothel around 1830, this condom features an erotic etching that draws parallels to the Greek myth of the Judgement of Paris. The exhibition, titled 'Safe Sex?', explores themes of sexual health and sex work through various prints and drawings, highlighting attitudes toward contraceptive methods prior to the invention of safer options like vulcanized rubber in 1839, when such items were socially stigmatized.
The Rijksmuseum curator Joyce Zelen explained the condom’s etching links to the Greek myth of the Judgement of Paris, illustrating the sophistication of the potential owner.
The condom, created circa 1830, previously owned by an upscale French brothel, features an erotic engraving depicting a nun and clergymen, emphasizing its unique history.
Before the advent of vulcanized rubber in 1839, condoms offered little protection against sexually transmitted diseases and were considered taboo, especially by religious institutions.
With a price tag of 1,000, this 200-year-old condom showcases the historical views on sexual health and practices, making it a centerpiece of the Rijksmuseum's exhibition.
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