What's happened
The Rijksmuseum has unveiled a unique condom from around 1830, made from a sheep's appendix, as part of its "Safe Sex?" exhibition. This artefact, featuring an erotic image and the phrase "This is my choice," highlights the complexities of 19th-century sexual health and sex work. The exhibition opened on June 3 and runs until November.
What's behind the headline?
Significance of the Exhibit
- The condom serves as a historical artifact that reflects both the playful and serious aspects of sexual health in the 19th century.
- It highlights societal attitudes towards sex work and the fears surrounding sexually transmitted diseases, particularly syphilis.
Cultural Context
- The phrase "This is my choice" connects to the Renoir painting, emphasizing the intersection of art and sexuality.
- The erotic imagery challenges contemporary perceptions of historical sexual norms.
Implications for Modern Audiences
- This exhibition encourages discussions about sexual health and the evolution of societal attitudes towards sex.
- It serves as a reminder of the ongoing relevance of safe sex practices and sexual health education today.
What the papers say
The Independent reported that the Rijksmuseum described the condom as depicting "both the playful and the serious side of sexual health," emphasizing its role in the exhibition. Similarly, the NY Post noted that the condom is a potential souvenir from a brothel, adorned with an erotic image and a phrase referencing Renoir's painting. The South China Morning Post highlighted the exhibition's focus on 19th-century sex work, reinforcing the artifact's significance in understanding historical sexual health narratives. Overall, these sources converge on the importance of the condom as a cultural artifact, while also showcasing slight variations in emphasis on its historical context.
How we got here
The Rijksmuseum's new exhibition, "Safe Sex?", aims to explore the often overlooked aspects of 19th-century sexuality and prostitution. The inclusion of this condom artifact marks a significant addition to their collection, focusing on sexual health themes.
Go deeper
- What other artifacts are featured in the exhibition?
- How does this exhibit relate to modern sexual health discussions?
- What reactions has the exhibit received from the public?
Common question
-
What is the significance of the Rijksmuseum's condom exhibit?
The Rijksmuseum's latest exhibition, 'Safe Sex?', showcases a unique condom from the 1830s, sparking discussions about historical attitudes towards sexuality and its relevance today. This exhibit not only highlights the past but also connects to modern conversations about sexual health and societal norms. Below are some common questions people have about this intriguing display.
More on these topics
-
The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam. The museum is located at the Museum Square in the borough Amsterdam South, close to the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and the Concertgebouw.
-
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (; French: [pjɛʁ oɡyst ʁənwaʁ]; 25 February 1841 – 3 December 1919) was a French artist who was a leading painter in the development of the Impressionist style. As a celebrator of beauty and especially feminine sensuality, it
-
Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands with a population of 872,680 within the city proper, 1,380,872 in the urban area and 2,410,960 in the metropolitan area.
-
The Netherlands, informally Holland, is a country primarily located in Western Europe and partly in the Caribbean, forming the largest constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.