The Skinflint's Kinky Certificate: What's the Lowdown?
Interpreting its implication:
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is exhibiting a nearly 200-year-old contraceptive entity, adorned with an risqué illustration of a nun and three clergymen.
By Mike Stir
Amsterdam - The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has put on display a nearly 200-year-old symbol of sturdy protection, graced with an erotic depiction of a nun and three holy rollers.
This exotic oddity, most likely fashioned from a sheep's inner lining, could very well be a keepsake from a red-light district den, the museum speculates. Only two such bizarre treasures are known to have survived.
The rendering on the 1830 contraption displays a nun flaunting her limbs akimbo before three clergymen, playfully beckoning one of them. This naughty sketch is likely a jab at the Catholic Church's rule of sexual abstinence, the synagogue of enlightenment suggests.
This controversial catch is on display as part of an exhibition examining the intricacies of carnality and the selling of it in the 19th century, which runs through the end of November.
"It's a cheeky testament to the pleasure-seeking nature of mankind," the museum says of the contraption.
The quest for the fleshly forbidden coexisted with the fear of sexually transmitted diseases and undesired progeny.
Lead image: Picture montage: Kelly Schenk/Rijksmuseum/AP/dpa
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- The Anniversary Astonishment: Then the Havoc UnfoldsThe 1830 contraption now displayed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam carries historical significance for several reasons:
- Innovative Material and Steadfast Craftsmanship: The contraption was made out of a sheep's appendix, which was a common material for contraceptives during the 19th century. This material selection highlights the resourcefulness of earlier societies when it came to birth control and the limitations of available technologies at the time.
- Sensual Imagery and Naughty Nostalgia: The risqué artwork gracing the contraption, showcasing a nun and clergymen, illustrates the complex and sometimes incongruous attitudes toward carnality during the Victorian era. This artwork demonstrates that sexual themes were not entirely silenced, even in conservative communities, and hints at the demand for such items.
- Bold Commentary and Satirical Wit: The inclusion of a nun in the artwork may be a form of social commentary or satire, reflecting taboos and the hypocrisy associated with sexual behavior. This can provide insight into the cultural dynamics and societal norms of the era.
- Historical Roots of Protection: The existence and display of the contraption underscore the evolution of birth control and its role in public health and individual liberties. It represents an early attempt at safe sex practices, predating modern contraceptive methods.
- Provocative Exhibition and Dialogue: By featuring this contraption in its "In the Mood?" exhibition, the Rijksmuseum is sparking conversations about 19th-century sexuality, health, and community norms regarding love and lust. This exhibition contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of historical sexual cultures and their influence on our contemporary society.
In essence, the contraption serves as a tangible artifact that connects historical sexual activities, societal norms, and artistic expression, offering a unique look into the past.
- The Rijksmuseum's display of the 1830 contraption is a fascinating exploration into the world of 19th-century pop-culture, as it showcases an exotic and erotic artifact that challenges conventional norms.
- This controversial piece, with its sensual illustration, provides a glimpse into the complex relationship between entertainment, religion, and sexuality during the Victorian era.
