This hall was probably constructed in the late 16th century, during the reign of Duke Wilhlem V, but acquired its current name later, after Duke Maximilian I had installed the portals of imitation black marble in 1623. Early documents call it the "Perspektiv-Saal" (Perspective Room) in reference to the ceiling painting.

The ceiling was painted by Hans Werl in 1602. He attempted to create the illusion that the room extended further upwards; yet it is only when one stands exactly in the centre of the room that the perspective of this architectural illusion works properly.

This was the first time in Germany that Italian practice was adopted and an entire ceiling covered with illusionistically painted architecture with a unified central perspective. Werl's work thus marks the beginning of Baroque ceiling painting in south Germany. Werl executed his painting in oil on canvas and attached the various sections to the ceiling on wooden frames.

Following the destruction of the Schwarzer Saal in the Second World War, Karl Manninger reproduced the original painting, but using the secco technique of fresco painting, in which the colours are applied directly to dry plaster.