Two weeks ago, Beyoncé announced that Renaissance, her seventh studio album, will be released on July 29. Then, nine days ago she dropped the first single, “Break My Soul”. Today Beyoncé once again blessed us, this time with the Renaissance cover art. In it, a near-naked Bey sits atop a glowing horse (she also did the horse thing for her recent British Vogue cover). Fans are already comparing the image to John Collier’s 19th-century painting of Lady Godiva and Bianca Jagger’s iconic equine moment at Studio 54. Yeah, but those basic-ass horses didn’t glow like a disco ball, so Beyoncé wins.
Beyonce dropped the image on all her social media pages. On Instagram, she wrote that making the album helped her “find an escape” in a “scary time for the world.” She says she hopes Renaissance brings people joy:
Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration. I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.
Here are some reactions on Twitter:
SHE ATEEEE!!!!!
— Fashion Faguette (@fashionfaguette) June 30, 2022
The artwork to Beyoncé's new album pays homage to the Renaissance painting of Lady Godiva, as well as Bianca Jagger's grand entrance on horseback at Studio 54 in 1977: https://t.co/lt5TarUkib pic.twitter.com/sULp4Qekr0
— Consequence (@consequence) June 30, 2022
Beyoncé gave us a whole paragraph and a “Ha!”… oh she’s def about to eat us tf up. pic.twitter.com/nd3UAyx8i6
— proto (@the__prototype) June 30, 2022
Let’s be real, the BeyHive worships everything Beyoncé releases, including burps, farts, and queefs. But she sure does look pretty up on that lightning horse! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must find the highest quality image of the album art to see if I can make out Beyoncé’s nipple.
Pic: Instagram