Noted art historian Baxandall dead at 74

London -- Art historian Michael Baxandall, who examined the influence of society on the art world, has died at the age of 74 in London, his wife says.

Katharin Baxandall confirmed her husband died of pneumonia associated with Parkinson's disease, ending a career that saw the historian trace society's influence in the ever-changing art world, The New York Times reported Sunday.

Experts said through his works, such as like 1972's "Painting and Experience in 15th-Century Italy," Baxandall helped bring about the art history movement by noting social influences in artistic works.

"He made it possible to see, through the art, how societies organized themselves and, conversely, how individuals perceived their own experiences and inner lives," New York University modern art history professor Thomas Crow said of Baxandall, who died Aug. 12.

The Times said in addition to his wife, Baxandall is survived by two children and two grandchildren.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.