Gallen-Kallela's had women close to him model for Kalevala art works
Akseli Gallen-Kallela's (1865–1931) Lemminkäinen's Mother is based on Kalevala's story, where the warrior and rake Lemminkäinen dies. His mother picks up his pieces from the Tuonela river and puts them back together. Gallen-Kallelas mother was his model for this painting.
Among artists, Aino naked at the water's edge is the part of the story chosen most frequently as a subject. Many interpretations are reminiscent of the Venus and water nymph themes popular throughout the history of art.