In an age of fast everything, it's refreshing to come across timeless vintage fashion, art, jewellery and general relics from the past. They transport us back to an era when people painstakingly put their all into creating something that wasn't necessarily meant to last forever but somehow did.

Whether it's a gorgeous gown from the 1800s, an ancient hand-carved door, or a mysterious Victorian ring, some things simply refuse to go out of style. They're proof that elegance doesn't need to follow the latest trends.

Pasthetique is the place to go when you want to get swept away by the magic of historical creativity. The page explores art, history and culture through an aesthetic lens, and is filled with exquisite photos that each tell a unique story. Bored Panda has put together a list of the best ones, and some might change your perspective on the past.

#1

#2

#3

There was once a time when art divided. Masterpieces were reserved for the rich and elite, and an artist's main responsibility was to communicate ethical or socio-political statements. But one day, someone decided that there was a lot more to their talent. Enter: the Aesthetic Movement. It was all about "art, for art's sake!"

Instead of focusing on narratives, messages or tales, aesthetic painters chose to concentrate on seeking beauty through colors, structure, and composition. But the movement wasn't just about paintings.

#4

#5

#6

"Art, according to the Aesthetic Movement, should not be limited to sculpture, painting, or architecture, but should be commonplace in every sphere of life," explains the Art In Context site. "Aestheticism encompassed not only the 'high' arts, but also pottery, metalwork, clothing, furnishings, and interior design."

The movement’s supporters became known as Aesthetes, and according to the site, are credited with increasing the artistry and cohesion of many sectors of society.

"They claimed that life should imitate art instead of the other way around," it notes. "These reformers introduced forth new concepts that would influence the design world for the following century."

#7

#8

#9

Needless to say, not everyone was impressed. Some believed that if art lacked moral or narrative meaning, it was a threat to the Victorian public. The very purpose of art, they argued, was to convey a story. How on earth could art be created purely for beauty or enjoyment?