Honoring John Asmus

The Pioneer of Laser Art Conservation

John Asmus, a pioneering figure in laser technology and art conservation, embarked on his groundbreaking journey in 1971 when he collaborated with oceanographer Walter Munk to create holograms of statues and artworks in Venice. This endeavor sparked Asmus’s realization that lasers could delicately remove debris from artworks without causing damage. By 1972, he achieved a significant milestone by applying laser cleaning to marble sculptures, earning him the moniker “grandfather of laser art conservation.

Asmus’s innovative spirit continued to drive him forward. He utilized laser technology not only to uncover hidden artworks and restore ancient petroglyphs but also to enhance the details of iconic pieces such as the Mona Lisa. His achievements extend to restoring the original artwork at the California State Capitol and contributing to the search for Leonardo da Vinci’s lost masterpiece, The Battle of Anghiari.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Asmus made invaluable contributions to the preservation of some of the world’s most renowned cultural treasures. His research and findings on laser technology’s application in art conservation, including investigations into portraits by Rembrandt, have left an enduring legacy in the field.


Each moment with John is a cherished memory, filled with warmth and meaning.