Final answer:
The term 'works' on a sculpture's pedestal inscription refers to the sculptures themselves, as evidenced by the text detailing the creation and installation processes of the sculptures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'works' in the inscription on the pedestal likely refers to sculptures created by the artist. This is supported by specific details from the text which mentions artists using metal to cast or weld, large works in factories, and the use of materials in the environment to create sculptures. Additionally, the presence of pedestal inscriptions and text paired with statuary and relief also indicates that 'works' pertains to artistic achievements rather than their tools or the gallery itself.