An Auguste Moreau Statuette "Protection"

A French Art Nouveau period cast and bronze-patinated spelter statuette by Auguste Moreau, depicting a boy defending a girl from a feisty goose. The boy, with a slightly amused look, has placed himself between the goose and the girl, who clings in fright to his shoulder. Designed by Moreau as an allegory for "Loving Protectiveness", hence the French title for this piece, 'Protection'. Standing on its original faux-marbled timber plinth. The rear of this statuette is signed "Aug. Moreau". A brass plaque on the plinth is inscribed with "Protection, par Aug. Moreau", (Auguste Moreau, France 1834-1917) . Area of Paris, circa 1900.