Members of Norman Rockwell's family met with the Massachusetts attorney general's office last week to voice opposition to the planned sale by the Berkshire Museum of two works by the artist.

The artist gave "Shuffleton's Barber Shop" and "Shaftsbury Blacksmith Shop" to the museum in Pittsfield, Mass. His relatives insist that Rockwell intended for the works to remain publicly available at the Berkshire Museum, citing a 1958 letter that he wrote pledging the artworks to the museum's permanent collection.

Both works are set to be auctioned at Sotheby's on Nov. 13, along with other deaccessions, consigned by the Berkshire Museum. (More on the museum's plans, Sotheby's sale, and opposition to the sale.)