Ensoulment

[Koen G]

I agree with Marco's post above. An additional problem is that some nymphs are clothed and others are nude. This doesn't help us decide between patients and souls though, since both categories can be depicted with and without clothes.

I still wonder why the figures are holding the stars like flowers on stalks. Since they are usually women, I believe a parallel with "lady holding flower" may be intended, but then with something that's certainly meant to look like a star as well.