Konstantin Savitsky, a renowned genre painter and academician, was born in Taganrog, into a family of a military doctor. He received his education at the Taganrog classical gymnasium for boys. In 1862, Savitsky enrolled in the prestigious Imperial Academy of Arts, studying under notable professors such as Fyodor Bruni, Alexey Markov, and Pavel Chistyakov. His exceptional talent earned him several medals during his academy years, including a small gold medal for his program on "Cain and Abel." This achievement led to a scholarship that allowed him to study abroad in Dresden, Dusseldorf, and Paris, where he explored the art academies and developed a passion for metal engraving.

In 1872, Savitsky began exhibiting his works, and by 1878, he became a member of the Association of Traveling Art Exhibitions. His participation in notable exhibitions, such as the World Exhibition in Paris (1878) and the All-Russian Art and Industrial Exhibition in Moscow (1882), solidified his reputation as an accomplished artist.

Following the tragic death of his wife in 1875, Savitsky returned to Russia and settled in Dinaburg. It was during this period that he produced some of his most significant works, including "Meeting Icons" (1878) and "To War" (1880).

Savitsky's influence extended beyond his own artistic endeavors. He served as the first director of the Penza Art School named after Nikolai Dmitrievich Seliverstov, leaving a lasting impact on the development of art education. Additionally, he played a vital role in shaping the artistic talents of his son, Georgy Konstantinovich Savitsky, who went on to become an academician of the Academy of Arts of the USSR.

Konstantin Savitsky's contributions to the art world and his dedication to the pursuit of artistic excellence cemented his legacy as an esteemed painter and teacher in the Russian art community.