Overview

• The condom dates to around 1830 and is likely crafted from sheep intestine, featuring a provocative engraving of a nun and three clergy members.
• Museum records indicate it was purchased at auction six months ago and represents one of only two surviving engraved condoms from the period.
• The engraving illustrates the era’s tension between pursuit of sexual pleasure and widespread anxiety over sexually transmitted diseases.
• It opened June 3 as part of the Rijksmuseum’s exhibition on prostitution and sexuality in the 19th century.
• The exhibition runs through November 2025, offering visitors a rare look at pre-plastic approaches to disease prevention.