Here are Lermontov's feelings for Vicky.
'When we first met ... you asked me a question to which I gave a stupid answer, you asked me whether I wanted to live and I said "Yes". Actually, Miss Page, I want more, much more. I want to create, to make something big out of something little – to make a great dancer out of you. But first, I must ask you the same question, what do you want from life? To live?'
He sees her as the raw material necessary for his work. Whether that is sexual or romantic for him, we don't know as it is Vicky's feelings that are the movie's concern. Certainly, Lermontov, though cold, has what it takes to seduce Vicky if he wishes to do so.
I think art vs. love is a false dichotomy. Art vs. traditional family life, art vs. motherhood, art vs. taking care of a man these are real dilemmas; but many times art has been the method by which a woman has taken care of her family. It is her profession and as such may demand time which her family and her man believe rightfully belong to them.
This movie reminds me of other movies that present this alleged dichotomy. The Phantom of the Opera (the musical) and The Double Life of Veronique come to mind, also John Updike's novel, Seek My Face. Of course these are all written by men so may be a trifle biased. if you want to read about female artists and how they ordered or dealt with the chaos, children and men in their lives, why not seek out the memoirs and biographies of women you admire.