Nelma is a portrait that captures a woman with a serene expression. The color palette is soft, featuring warm earth tones and subtle highlights. The background is a muted blend that draws focus to the figure.

The woman's attire is traditional, reflecting the fashion of the time, with intricate details that enhance her presence. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, showcasing Järnefelt's skill in capturing texture and light. The brushwork is detailed, particularly in the rendering of the fabric and the woman's hair. The dimensions are approximately 70 x 90 cm, making it a sizable portrait.

The composition balances the figure against the background, creating a harmonious visual flow. Eero Järnefelt was a Finnish painter associated with the Realism movement. He often depicted scenes from Finnish life and culture, and Nelma is no exception, reflecting the artist's interest in portraying authentic human experiences. An interesting fact about this work is that it is believed to be a representation of a real person, which adds a layer of intimacy to the portrait.