A rare 19th-century condom decorated with an erotic etching featuring a nun and three clergymen is going on display at a museum in the Netherlands. Believed to be made from a sheep’s appendix, the prophylactic dates back to 1830 and is likely a souvenir from a brothel, according to a statement from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam on Tuesday. Joyce Zelen, curator of prints at the museum, told CNN that condoms would have been sold under the counter at the time. This example is in “mint condition,” she said, with UV testing revealing that it hasn’t been used. This fact, as well as the print and the extended length of the condom, which is 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) long, suggest that this was “a luxury brothel souvenir,” added Zelen. “It makes it more of an object to laugh about with your friends than an actual object to use,” she said. In the etching, the nun can be seen seated with her legs open while the three clergymen hold up their robes, revealing their erect penises. “The inscription Voilà mon choix, meaning ‘This is my choice,’ makes the print a parody of both celibacy and the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology,” said the museum. Zelen explained that the printmaker would have laid the appendix of a sheep or goat out flat and used a copper plate with the inked etching on it to print the design onto it. While this kind of condom was not likely to have been used, those designed to protect the wearer would have been made with similar materials, said Zelen. They would have provided minimal protection from unwanted pregnancies and sexual transmitted infections such as syphilis, which was a significant public health problem in 19th century Europe, she added. The Rijksmuseum acquired the condom at auction six months ago and it is the first example of a print on a condom to form part of the museum’s collection. It will be on display in the museum’s Print Room until the end of November as part of an exhibit on 19th century prostitution and sexuality. In recent years the Rijksmuseum has hit the headlines for putting together the largest ever exhibition of paintings by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, as well as for repatriating colonial artifacts to Sri Lanka following provenance research that started in 2017.
Rare 19th-century condom with erotic etching goes on display at Dutch museum
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"19th-Century Condom with Erotic Etching to be Displayed at Rijksmuseum"
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TruthLens AI Summary
A unique 19th-century condom, adorned with an erotic etching of a nun and three clergymen, is set to be displayed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This rare artifact, believed to be crafted from a sheep's appendix, dates back to 1830 and is thought to have originated as a souvenir from a brothel. According to Joyce Zelen, the museum's curator of prints, such condoms were typically sold discreetly during that era. The condom is in pristine condition, as confirmed by UV testing, indicating it has never been used. Zelen emphasized that its luxurious length of 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) and the nature of its design suggest it was more of a novelty item intended for amusement rather than practical use. The etching itself features provocative imagery, with the inscription "Voilà mon choix," translating to "This is my choice," serving as a satirical commentary on both celibacy and the Judgement of Paris from Greek mythology.
Zelen further explained the production process of these condoms, where the appendix of a sheep or goat was flattened and inked with a copper plate for printing. While the condom on display was not intended for actual use, similar materials were employed in contemporaneous condoms meant to offer minimal protection against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, which was a prevalent health concern in 19th-century Europe. The Rijksmuseum acquired this extraordinary item at auction six months ago, marking it as the first instance of a printed condom to be included in its collection. It will be showcased in the museum's Print Room until the end of November, as part of an exhibition focused on 19th-century prostitution and sexuality. The museum has garnered attention in recent years for its major exhibitions, including a comprehensive display of works by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer and its efforts to repatriate colonial artifacts to Sri Lanka following extensive provenance research initiated in 2017.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents the intriguing display of a 19th-century condom featuring an erotic etching, which raises various societal and cultural questions. The unique nature of this artifact, along with its historical context, encourages reflection on topics such as sexuality, art, and public health in the 19th century.
Cultural Commentary
By showcasing this condom, the museum aims to provoke discussions about sexuality and the societal norms surrounding it during the 19th century. It highlights how such objects were not only practical but also served as a form of satire against religious figures and societal expectations, suggesting that the museum seeks to engage the public in a candid dialogue about historical attitudes toward sex and morality.
Public Perception
This display may also shape public perceptions regarding the historical practices of sexuality and contraception. People may perceive the item as a humorous relic rather than a practical object, which could foster a more open-minded attitude toward discussions about sexual health and history.
Hidden Agendas
While the article primarily focuses on the artifact, it could be interpreted as a distraction from contemporary issues surrounding sexual health, education, and public policy. By framing the condom in a historical context, the museum might inadvertently steer attention away from ongoing debates about sexual education and health in modern society.
Truthfulness and Reliability
The information presented appears factual, with references to museum statements and expert commentary. However, the sensational nature of the subject matter could lead some to question the motivations behind its display. The likelihood of manipulation exists in how the narrative is framed to elicit a specific reaction from the audience, particularly through the provocative imagery associated with the condom.
Societal Impact
The implications of this exhibit could extend beyond cultural discussions, potentially influencing social attitudes towards sexuality and historical artifacts. It may encourage a more accepting view of sexual health discussions in contemporary society, though it could also provoke backlash from conservative groups.
Target Audience
The article likely attracts audiences interested in art, history, and sexuality studies. It appeals to those who appreciate the intersection of these topics, particularly within the context of cultural institutions like museums.
Market Reactions
While the artifact itself may not directly influence stock markets or economic trends, it may impact shares related to the arts and cultural sectors, as museums and galleries could see increased visitor numbers due to this attention-grabbing display.
Global Relevance
Though the artifact is a historical item, its themes resonate with ongoing global discussions about sexuality, public health, and societal norms, highlighting the enduring relevance of such topics.
Use of AI
It’s plausible that AI-assisted tools were employed in the article's writing or research process, particularly in organizing the information or generating engaging narratives. The structuring and presentation may reflect an AI's influence in crafting a compelling story, potentially shaping the reader's reaction to the subject matter.
In conclusion, the article successfully merges historical context with contemporary relevance, inviting reflection on sexuality, societal norms, and the role of artifacts in shaping public discourse. The reliability of the information seems strong, though the framing invites scrutiny regarding its broader implications and the motivations behind the display.