This is actually a really beautiful picture.
We can see the lady and daughter of the house in the background, obviously and understandably concerned that their home (not to mention their country) has been invaded by German soldiers. And yet at the same time the artist gives us every reason to be optimistic. Though they are making a bit of a mess, as soldiers (and young men generally) tend to, and though they are apparently helping themselves to the firewood, the men here come across as cheerful, well-meaning fellows who have not smashed the place up. (The ornaments on the chimney-piece are still clearly intact.) A couple of soldiers are relaxing and having a drink, one is singing, one is making up the fire, and one is playing the piano. (”We are not all barbarians!”) And one, perhaps most “relaxed” of all, seems to have changed into the tunic and cap of his old university fraternity, as if in expectation of further singing and beer and fellowship - though for now he is content with a quiet smoke next to the fire.
Another soldier, in the background, seems to be apologetically explaining to their hostess that all this is only temporary, and things should be back to normal soon…
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