Beyoncé strips off for new Cowboy Carter album cover

Beyoncé has stripped off for the cover of her new album Cowboy Carter, covering herself with just a ribbon with her maiden name.

In the photo, Bay poses as Venus, with afro braids, holding a lit cigarette billowing with smoke. Her body is covered with a ribbon that reads "act ii BEYINCÉ", her maiden name.

The artist, born Celestine Beyoncé, explained that she is one of several members of her family whose last name was printed incorrectly on her birth certificate.

Beyoncé previously revealed the cover art for the first album, announcing the title Cowboy Carter and a March 29 release date.