Archaeologists working in Pompeii have uncovered two nearly life-size statues sculpted into the wall of a tomb.
The pair, depicting a man and a woman, was skilfully worked directly into the stone surface.
Pompeii, a thriving Roman city, was famously buried when a nearby volcano erupted long ago.
The blanket of ash sealed the town so effectively that its buildings and art survived in astonishing condition.
By examining the carved figures, specialists can glean valuable details about ancient dress, jewellery, and social customs.
Such personal portraits help bring the long-lost inhabitants of the city vividly to life.
With each excavation, Pompeii continues to yield remarkable new insights into the Roman world.