The sculpture Aino was inspired by the character of Aino in Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala. Faced with the prospect of being forced into an unwanted marriage, Aino chose to drown herself and, according to the story, was transformed into a fish. In keeping with the ideals of antiquity, the nude female figure was a typical motif in the art of sculptor Matti Haupt.

The sculpture is accompanied by a fountain. Haupt designed its base with a colourful mosaic depicting various fish and starfish, referring to Aino’s fate. Born in St Petersburg, Haupt studied at the Finnish Art Society’s Drawing School and continued his studies under sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen.