Final answer:
The notion of James and John being the only two apostles at Jesus' crucifixion contradicts the Gospels, but it is widely held that John the Evangelist and several women, including Mary Magdalene, were present.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement regarding James and John being the only two of the Twelve to witness Jesus on the cross doesn't align with the canonical Gospels, which suggest that most of the apostles were not present at the crucifixion, but Mary Magdalene and other women, along with John the Evangelist, were indeed near Jesus during his final moments.
The Deposition details the removal of Christ's body by notable followers including Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, demonstrating the significance of these events in Christian theology.
The Crucifixion and events following, such as the incredulity of Thomas, are central themes in Christian art and are commemorated during Holy Week.
The nuances of these biblical stories and their representations in art serve to illustrate the theological underpinnings of Christianity and the belief in Jesus as the savior of humankind, an idea that is also reflected in the name 'Christ' meaning messiah or savior within Jewish theology.