Every person has his or her own preconceived notion of what photography is. We take our own photographs; we receive them; we can see them in books, advertising, on the Internet, etc. What we don’t always understand about photography is that its meaning continually changes over time, resulting in conflicting views towards photography’s fundamental properties. The new exhibit at the Davison Art Center (DAC), entitled “Documentary or Art? Photography in the Long 19th Century, 1839-1914” rises from this tension.

As its title suggests, the exhibit examines the perceived divergence between photography’s artistic qualities and its scientific, methodical character. Specifically, its focus spans from the inception of photography in 1839 to the outbreak of World War I. During this time, photographers began to push the medium ahead in terms of technique, form and subject matter.

The exhibit highlights works by Julia Margaret Cameron, Francis Frith, Eadweard Muybridge, Jacob Riis, Carleton Watkins, and others, whose work has appeared in other prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the J. Paul Getty Museum. Portraits, landscapes, objects, political statements and others all feature prominently in the show. All photographs come from the University, which holds more than 6000 photographs as part of its extensive print collection. On the most basic level, the exhibit allows students, parents and art lovers alike the opportunity to view stunning 19th century photographs from superlative photographers.

Central to the exhibition is a consideration of the way photographic subjects are perceived based upon the lens through which they are viewed. Associate Professor of History Jennifer Tucker, who assisted DAC Curator Claire Rogan in creating the exhibit, directly addressed this issue in her gallery talk on Thursday, which dealt specifically with the manner in which science influenced the way photography was perceived during that time period.

“While its right to emphasize the role of science in the development of photographic techniques, the role that science played was much broader both in shaping subjects of photography and creating excitement in people with the technology,” Tucker said. “Documentary or Art?” is part of a series of talks, films and exhibits called “Eye of History — The Camera as Witness.” A collaboration between the DAC, Zilkha Gallery, Olin Library and the journal “History and Theory,” the series is meant to explore the role of photography in the construction of historical memory.

Rogan sees the exhibit as an opportunity to participate in deeper dialogue with the works of photographers from earlier eras.

“There are lots of ways of thinking about photographs and there is a debate,” Rogan said. “People [before, during and after the exhibition] should say ’Wait, let’s engage a little more. Let’s hear the 19th century voices. What were some of these photographers saying about their own work? What were the critics saying about it? Let’s hear some of those voices from the past and try to look at it on different levels.’”