The Amsterdam Studio Amsterdam, 1680. A child is born into a city defined by its canals and commerce. Jacob Appel grows up in the shadow of the Dutch Golden Age, finding his way into the studios of established masters. Between 1690 and 1692, he sits at the feet of Timotheus de Graaf, absorbing the fundamentals of the craft. The training continues under David Van der Plaas, who directs his attention toward the complexities of landscape painting. The early years of his career are marked by imitation. He looks to the works of Tempesta, attempting to replicate that specific energy and structure.…