There should be some iso art and pioneers discussed, but I am not knowledgable on this aspect of pixel art.
SNES art and generally japanese video-game art of that era didn't do anything that wasn't already done in terms of technique by the Amiga boys (although a lot of stuff was pretty-pretty. I'm sure others will give you examples), and by arcade cabinet developers before them. In fact, a lot of dubious terminology and technique was the result of overanalysing video-game art from that era which should historically find its' influence reduced, in my opinion. Selout, anyone?
Art from games like Flashback (originally developed on Amiga) should be inspected and understood, but it's more GREAT game-art than it is GREAT pixel-art, besides startling levels like the jungle level. Meaning, the admiration arises from realizing this is made from tiles and few tiles and colors at that, whereas pixel-art deals with a different set of aesthetic principles, eventhough there's a lot of crosspolination.
Our (modern internet scene) own validity and influence on the history of pixel art will be made plain in 5-10 years from now.
EDIT:
this person is to be remembered, also.