The book “Of Arms and Artists” blends the politics and art at the time of the American Revolution, and offers a deeper look at the artists themselves.

The paintings made by the five big American artists — John Singleton Copley, John Trumbull, Benjamin West, Charles Willson Peale and Gilbert Stuart — are instantly recognizable. One of the most identifiable images, and one that most of us have in our pocket right now, is that of George Washington, by artist Gilbert Stuart.

Mt. Holyoke College professor and author Paul Staiti laughed as New England Public Radio’s Carrie Healy began the interview by pulling out some cash. Click the audio player above.