Thank you!

From a reddit comment:

There seems to be 2 common interpretations of this painting, and I think they co-exist.

1. The skeleton is symbolic of “death” or “the reaper”, waiting for when it’s the soldier’s time to die.

But then notice that death is embracing the soldier, as if to protect, and also has his hand on his rifle, as if to guide him.

Which brings the other interpretation:

2. The skeleton is a former soldier, and perhaps a former friend, guiding and watching over the living… Sort of an angel.

That is what’s incredible about this painting. There is an undeniable duality to it.