What was considered by many to be the first work of pop art?

Many consider Richard Hamilton's 1956 collage "Just What Is It That Makes Today's Homes So Different, So Appealing?" to be the first work of pop art. This piece combines imagery from popular culture, advertising, and consumer goods, effectively blurring the lines between high art and mass media. Hamilton's work encapsulated the essence of pop art by reflecting contemporary society's fascination with consumerism and celebrity. It set the stage for subsequent artists to explore similar themes in the movement.