The text describes the monument to Cardinal Jan Kazimierz Denhoff, formerly canon of Warsaw and dean of Plock, who resided in Rome until the end of his days. Denhoff's biography is briefly recalled and a description of the monument and the inscription on it is presented (Source: Tygodnik Illustrowany, Warsaw 1883, Series 4, T:2, p. 270, after: University of Łódź Digital Library).

A modernised reading of the text

Tombstone of Jan Denhoff in Rome

In the church of the Trinitarians, i.e. San Carlo, in Rome, the fathers of the order commemorated with a modest monument (which we are excerpting here) the memory of Cardinal Jan Kazimierz Denhoff, who died on 20 June 1697 in the eternal castle, where he had resided continuously since 1683.

It is known that after the Viennese victory, Denhoff, who at that time was still Canon of Warsaw and Dean of Płock, as an extraordinary envoy, brought to Innocent XI the banner of Mohammed captured by Sobieski, and at a private hearing on 7 October 1683 presented it to him. 7 October 1683, he laid it at the Pope's feet.

Having remained as the Republic's permanent envoy in Rome, he took a great liking to the Trinitarians, and it was thanks to his efforts that the Order was introduced to Poland. Favoured by Innocent XI and his successor Alexander VIII, he was appointed Cardinal in 1686, and a few years later Bishop of Caesarea. In his will, drawn up in Cezenna shortly before his death, he named his brother Henry, starosta of Urzędów, as his main heir.

The monument in question is in the floor and consists of coloured marbles, laid flat; it thus gives the impression of a huge mosaic. The Latin inscription on it reads in Polish translation:

"D.
O. M.
Jan Kazimierz Denhoff,
Ornament of the Polish nobility,
John III the King to Innocent XI
Member of Parliament for an alliance against the Turks,
Superior of the Holy Spirit for exceptional virtues,
Soon Cardinal and Bishop of Caesenna,
Promulgated by the Pope himself,
In the church of the Barefoot Trinitarians,
Through his efforts and care introduced into Poland,
He wished to be buried.
He died on XX June.
Year MDCXCVII, at the age of XXXXIX years.
As a sign of perpetual gratitude.
Fr. the Trinitarians have laid this monument.".

Julian Bartoszewicz, as the year of Denhoff's birth, gives 1653; we therefore draw the attention of researchers that according to the above inscription the year 1648 would fall.